The Abia State Government and UNICEF have reaffirmed their commitment to improving primary healthcare services across the state, with efforts now focused on enhancing service delivery, increasing immunization coverage, and addressing the challenge of staff absenteeism in health facilities.

The commitment was restated during the Second Quarter Primary Healthcare Review Meeting held at the Government House in Umuahia, where stakeholders reviewed progress made in the sector and discussed strategies for addressing existing challenges.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Abia State, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, commended stakeholders for the progress recorded since the first-quarter review. He highlighted achievements such as improved immunization coverage, renovation of healthcare facilities, increased patronage of health services, and stronger community participation in healthcare programmes.

Despite the gains, Emetu identified staff absenteeism, vandalism of medical equipment, delays in diagnostic services, and inadequate community ownership of health facilities as major concerns requiring immediate attention.

According to him, the review meeting provided an important platform to assess second-quarter performance, evaluate the implementation of previous resolutions, and develop practical measures to improve healthcare outcomes across the state.

He reiterated the commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to strengthening primary healthcare, describing it as the foundation of an effective healthcare system.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ulu Kalu, commended the state government for its continued support of the health sector. He expressed concern over the persistent absenteeism of some healthcare workers despite ongoing supervision and disciplinary actions.

Dr. Kalu warned that negligence and indiscipline within the health system would no longer be tolerated, stressing the need for greater professionalism and accountability among healthcare personnel.

Representatives of UNICEF and other development partners praised the state government’s efforts and pledged continued support for ongoing healthcare reforms.

UNICEF representative, Ephraim Chukwu, highlighted the agency’s support for the deployment of a Logistics Management Information System designed to provide real-time visibility of healthcare commodities at facility level.

He also noted UNICEF’s role in facilitating the direct distribution of nutrition supplies and other essential healthcare commodities to facilities, a strategy expected to reduce the number of zero-dose children and improve immunization coverage across the state.

The representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nwanehiudo Kelechi, outlined ongoing support through programmes such as the Primary Health Care Integrated Supportive Supervision initiative, the Last Mile Visibility Tool, and the VAX Track platform, all aimed at strengthening monitoring, accountability, and service delivery.

Also speaking, Dr. Amuzie Chidinma, representing John Snow Inc. (JSI), commended Abia State’s progress in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. She disclosed that the state has achieved a 44 per cent HPV vaccination coverage rate.

The organisation also pledged continued support for routine immunization activities, data quality assessments, and school health programmes.

Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the importance of stronger accountability mechanisms, increased community participation, and sustained collaboration between government and development partners to ensure quality primary healthcare services are accessible to residents across the state.

The meeting attracted key stakeholders, traditional rulers, development partners, and government officials, including the Deputy Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Njoko Ifeanyi.