The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a comprehensive Community Action Plan (CAP), emphasizing that the forthcoming policy is firmly rooted in Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda, particularly within the healthcare sector.
The assurance was given by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr. Erasmus Ekpang, during a strategic advocacy visit by the State Social Mobilization and Technical Committee (SOMTEC), led by its Chairman and Permanent Secretary, Mr. Anthony Okon, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar.
Dr. Ekpang described the initiative as both timely and essential, noting that the CAP, originally framed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is a collaborative, multi-phase strategy designed to strengthen paediatric healthcare, nutrition, and social safety nets across the State. He stressed that the policy will help reduce morbidity and mortality rates at the grassroots level, where interventions are most urgently needed.
“This Community Action Plan is not merely a bureaucratic document; it is a tangible reflection of this administration’s core philosophy,” Ekpang stated. “Governor Otu’s People First mantra demands that our most vulnerable population—our children—receive premium, accessible, and affordable healthcare. This partnership with UNICEF allows us to institutionalize that care.”
Highlighting Cross River’s recent achievement of surpassing 95% coverage in routine immunization, the Commissioner underscored the need for deliberate policies to improve other lagging health indicators. He assured that the Ministry of Information, alongside key stakeholders, will thoroughly review the draft policy documents to fast-track their presentation to the State Executive Council.
In his remarks, SOMTEC Chairman Mr. Anthony Okon commended the Commissioner for creating an enabling environment for Social Behaviour Change (SBC) initiatives. He expressed optimism that, once approved, the CAP will serve as a benchmark for child-focused governance and public health administration in the State.
Earlier, SOMTEC Programme Officer, Mr. Nakanda Iyadim, explained that the CAP’s core objective is to decentralize health management by promoting grassroots ownership. Under the plan, community structures will be empowered to enforce basic family health practices, ensuring long-term welfare improvements and accountability at the household level.
Highpoint of the advocacy visit was the formal presentation of the draft CAP document to the Commissioner, Dr Erasmus Ekpang by Mr. Okon.
By Nakanda Iyadim
