Ebonyi calls for thorough analysis of performances in health sector.
In her bid to ensure quality health care delivery, Ebonyi state government has called for a thorough analysis of performance in the health sector to measure successes, identify challenges and proffer solutions that will strengthen service delivery across the State.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma made the call in Abakaliki while declaring open a 3-day 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR) meeting which has the theme: "Building a Resilient and Equitable Health System through Partnership and Sustainable Financing."
Ekuma pointed out that though a lot of achievements have been recorded in the sector, there are still some persistent challenges such as maternal and child mortality, inaccurate data, as well as delays in seeking, reaching, and receiving quality health care.
He listed notable progress recorded in the past year across Primary Healthcare Centers, secondary health facilities and tertiary health institutions in the state.
The Commissioner commended the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru and the First Lady, Mrs. Mary-Maudline Uzoamaka Nwifuru for what he described as huge investments in the health sector that have changed the health indices of the State.
Dr. Ekuma also appreciated development and implementing partners in the State including UNICEF, JHPIEGO, MSI, CHAI, UNFPA, Helen Keller International, CARITAS, ECEWS, Global Fund among others for their continued support.
"I thank our development partners, stakeholders, Permanent Secretary, ALGON, Executive Secretaries of health MDAs, CEO/HA HMB, Directors, JAR Planning Committee and health workers for their coordination and sacrifices,"
He noted that the review meeting will address expectations around human resources for health, health commodities, supervision, community mobilization and financing, and urged participants to take the deliberations seriously and implement lessons learned.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Lawrence Ezeogo described the JAR as an accountability mechanism that allows stakeholders to assess the implementation of health policies, identify existing gaps, review resource allocations, and pinpoint evidence-based areas needing more funding for the coming year.
Ezeogo advised Ebonyi residents to take advantage of the free medical services available in PHCs and secondary health centers like free antenatal, free deliveries including additional enrollment of 40,000 people into Health Insurance scheme, training of health workers etc. courtesy of the State Government and access medical care
Also, the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Michael Irem said that the objective of the meeting is evaluation of critical health indicators by key stakeholders for better 2027 health outcomes which will be anchored on planning, development and implementation of the Annual Operation Plan
Goodwill messages were delivered by the House Committee on Health, Hon. Mrs. Chidiebere Agwu represented by Mr. Benedict Nwofoke; the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Barr. Felicia Nwamkpuma represented by HOD Administration, Comrade Charles Nwali; the Chairman of Ikwo Local Government Area, Barrister Sunday Nwankwo represented by the Director of Personnel Management (DPM), Mr. Moses Oshibe
Other messages came from the State Coordinator, National Health Insurance Authority, Mr. Godwin Mbe and the State Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Mr. Chukwunwendu James. They noted that the meeting provided an opportunity to align strategies for improved healthcare services.