Stakeholders in the health sector have pledged to work collaboratively to strengthen Ebonyi State’s healthcare system and improve health outcomes through better accountability, coordination, and evidence-based planning.
This resolution was reached during the 2024 State and Local Government Joint Annual Health Sector Performance Review held at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki.
The meeting, themed “Improving Health Outcomes Through Joint Performance Review and Accountability,” was organized by the in partnership with the , ALGON, and relevant MDAs. It was supported by development partners including the , , , , and .
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma, said the review aimed to assess the 2024 health sector performance at both state and local government levels, identify gaps, and chart actionable steps for improvement.
“The objectives of this meeting are to review performance on key health indicators, identify gaps in service delivery, resource mobilization, and data quality, and share best practices and innovations,” Ekuma stated.
“We will strengthen coordination between the state and LGAs, ensure accountability, and develop concrete recommendations to improve health outcomes.”
Dr. Ekuma assured participants of his ministry’s commitment to accountability and transparency in driving healthcare delivery.
“As Commissioner for Health, I am committed to a leadership style that is inclusive, data-driven, and result-oriented. We will continue to support our primary healthcare centers as the foundation of our health system, and prioritize training and retraining of healthcare professionals while expanding coverage under the health insurance scheme,” he said.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Ezeogo Lawrence, explained that the review was essential for assessing achievements, identifying existing gaps, evaluating resource allocation, and promoting collaboration among stakeholders.
“This joint review allows us to determine areas requiring urgent intervention and ensure resources are channeled to evidence-based priorities,” Lawrence added.
The Director of Data Planning and Statistics, Mr. Irem Michael, highlighted traditional birth attendance and logistics challenges as critical barriers to improving healthcare delivery.
“We must intensify community sensitization and discourage patronage of unskilled birth attendants. No woman deserves to die while giving birth,” he stressed.
Executive Secretary of the , Mr. Ajah Oliver Chima, urged the state government to “look inward and address the red flags in the health sector,” while the Provost of the College of Nursing Science, Uburu, Mrs. Patricia Nwakwoegu, described the review as “timely and impactful,” calling for it to be held quarterly.
The event drew participants from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Women Affairs, ALGON, the House Committee on Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency, the Drugs and Medical Commodities Agency, EBOSACA, training institutions, EBSEMSAS, IMPACT, DIG Foundation, and other key stakeholders.
The joint review is expected to guide evidence-based planning, strengthen accountability, and ensure improved access to quality healthcare services for residents of Ebonyi State.
