FIC Report (Abia State) – The Abia State Government and UNICEF have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery, with renewed efforts focused on improving service quality, boosting immunization coverage, and tackling staff absenteeism in health facilities across the state.
The commitment was reiterated during the Second Quarter Primary Healthcare Review Meeting held at the Government House, Umuahia, where stakeholders assessed progress in the sector and charted strategies to address emerging challenges.
Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Ikechukwu Emetu, commended stakeholders for achievements recorded since the first-quarter review, including improved immunization coverage, renovation of health facilities, increased utilization of healthcare services, and stronger community engagement.
He, however, identified staff absenteeism, vandalism of health equipment, delays in diagnostic services, and inadequate community ownership of health facilities as key challenges requiring urgent intervention.
Emetu said the review meeting provided an opportunity to evaluate second-quarter performance, assess the implementation of previous resolutions, and develop practical solutions aimed at improving health outcomes across the state. He reaffirmed the commitment of the administration of Governor Alex Otti to strengthening primary healthcare as the foundation of the state’s healthcare system.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ulu Kalu, praised the state government for its support of the health sector. He expressed concern over the persistent absenteeism of some healthcare workers despite regular supervision and disciplinary measures, warning that negligence and indiscipline would no longer be tolerated.
Representatives of UNICEF and other development partners commended the state’s efforts and pledged continued support for ongoing reforms.
UNICEF representative, Ephraim Chukwu, highlighted support for the deployment of a Logistics Management Information System that provides real-time visibility of healthcare commodities at facility level.
He also noted UNICEF’s support for the direct distribution of nutrition supplies and other healthcare commodities to facilities, a move expected to reduce the number of zero-dose children and improve immunization coverage.
The representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Nwanehiudo Kelechi, outlined support provided through the Primary Health Care Integrated Supportive Supervision Programme, the Last Mile Visibility Tool, and the VAX Track platform to strengthen monitoring, accountability, and service delivery.
Also speaking, representatives of John Snow Inc. (JSI), represented by Dr. Amuzie Chidinma, commended Abia State’s progress in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination, revealing that the state’s HPV coverage rate has reached 44 percent.
The organization pledged continued support for routine immunization, data quality assessments, and school health programmes.
Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the need for stronger accountability, greater community participation, and sustained collaboration between government and development partners to ensure quality primary healthcare services reach every community in Abia State.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, traditional ruler, development partners, and government officials, including the Deputy Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Njoko Ifeanyi.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
16/07/2026
