FIC Report (Bayelsa State) – The Bayelsa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET) and other development partners as part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, gave the assurance during separate meetings with a delegation from AFENET, Abuja, and members of the State Taskforce on Immunization at Government House, Yenagoa, on Thursday.
According to a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the deputy governor emphasized that the administration of Governor Douye Diri is taking deliberate steps to institutionalize health sector reforms. These include the development of a legislative framework aimed at ensuring the sustainability of key health programmes and projects.
Dr. Akpe expressed optimism that the proposed Health Sector Reform Bill, once passed into law, would address persistent funding challenges and strengthen the overall healthcare system in the state.
As Chairman of the State Immunization Taskforce, the deputy governor commended AFENET, members of the taskforce, and other development partners for their continued support, which he noted has significantly contributed to the state’s progress, particularly in immunization coverage.
He, however, urged stakeholders to sustain the momentum, stressing that the current administration remains firmly committed to improving maternal and child health indices while deepening partnerships in healthcare interventions.
“We must continue to work together to achieve even greater results. We cannot afford to lose the gains we have made so far,” he said, assuring partners of the government’s openness to collaboration and shared responsibility in implementing health initiatives.
Dr. Akpe further reiterated that the proposed legislation would not only guarantee sustainable funding but also address other structural challenges affecting healthcare delivery in Bayelsa State.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, disclosed that AFENET—supported technically and financially by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)—has been partnering with the Bayelsa State Primary Healthcare Board since 2024.
He noted that the collaboration has been instrumental in the rollout of malaria vaccines and the optimization of outreach programmes, which have led to the immunization of over 18,000 children across the state in three phases.
Earlier, the National Coordinator of AFENET, Dr. Saheed Gidado, acknowledged the state government’s strides in healthcare delivery, particularly in immunization.
While reaffirming AFENET’s readiness to sustain its partnership with the state, he called for the establishment of a robust legislative framework to ensure consistent funding and long-term sustainability of initiatives such as the Malaria Vaccine Optimization Project.
The meeting also featured presentations by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Gbanaibolou Orukari, and the Director of Pharmaceutical Services, Dr. Ebikapaye Okoyen, who highlighted ongoing efforts and key achievements in the state’s health sector.
Ayayeibo Duncan Zuobom. Assistant Chief Information Officer.
FIC Yenegoa, Bayelsa
21 May 2026
