The Edo State government recently engaged in a productive alignment meeting with developmental partners in the state’s health sector. This strategic collaboration aims to achieve Universal Health Coverage and establish a robust and resilient health system that delivers high-quality healthcare to the people of Edo State.
Headed by the Edo State Health Commissioner, Prof. Obehi Akoria, the meeting brought together esteemed representatives from renowned organizations such as the World Health Organisation, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), and the Carter Foundation.
The esteemed gathering also included participants from the Challenge Initiative (TCI), MOMENTUM Routine Immunization Transformation and Equity (MRITE), Red Cross, Society for Family Health (SFH), Damien Foundation (DF), and various health Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) operating in Edo State.
Prof. Akoria reassured attendees of Governor Godwin Obaseki’s unwavering commitment to developing a vibrant healthcare system capable of providing quality services to the people of Edo State.
The Commissioner acknowledged the challenges faced by development partners in achieving their desired goals despite their financial and technical investments in the state.
To address this, there is a strong emphasis on reinforcing coordination and synergy between the Health MDAs and development partners to ensure goal attainment and improved outcomes across the state.
She stated, “The Edo State Government, through the State’s Ministry of Health, convened a stakeholders’ meeting to enhance synergy and efficiency in program implementation, monitoring, and evaluation among partners working with the health MDAs in Edo State. The platform aimed to clarify and streamline MDA roles in partner-supported programs while harmonizing and strengthening working relationships within and between partners and MDAs. Additionally, it provided an opportunity to establish monitoring and evaluation standards for all partner-supported programs and align the Annual Operational Plan for 2023.”
The Health Commissioner highlighted several requests made by the health MDAs for support from developmental partners. These included alternative power and safe water supply for secondary health facilities, the creation of health data repositories to enhance data management, training of healthcare workers in disease prevention and control, the development and implementation of standard operating procedures (SOPs), increased monitoring and supervision of health facilities, and the integration of preventive oral healthcare services into immunization programs.
Through this collaborative effort, the Edo State government aims to optimize healthcare delivery and bridge existing gaps in the health sector. By harnessing the skills and resources of developmental partners, the state aspires to become a medical hub at the forefront of innovation and service excellence, thus ensuring the well-being of its citizens for years to come.
