The Cross River State Government has taken another major step toward strengthening its healthcare system with a high-level technical partnership focused on artificial intelligence–driven diagnostics and digital data transformation.
The collaboration was sealed on Monday, February 2, 2026, during a courtesy visit by the leadership of Heartland Alliance Ltd-Gte (HALG) to the State Ministry of Health. The partnership aligns with Governor Bassey Edet Otu’s “People First” health agenda, aimed at delivering efficient, technology-driven healthcare services.
As part of the engagement, the Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Alliance, Dr. Ochonye Bartholomew, announced the donation of a multi-user internet facility to the Ministry of Health to enhance data collection, analysis, reporting, documentation, and research. The facility is expected to significantly support the Ministry’s transition to modern digital health systems and the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public health management.
Dr. Bartholomew congratulated the Ministry on the successful hosting of the 66th National Council on Health (NCH) and disclosed that Heartland Alliance currently provides life-saving HIV treatment to over 18,736 persons across Cross River State.
He further revealed the deployment of AI-enabled mobile digital X-ray machines in six community facilities in Bakassi, Yakurr, Ikom, Ogoja, and Calabar, as well as at a specialized Drop-in Centre (DIC) in Mfum border town, aimed at expanding access to early and accurate diagnosis.
In support of the state’s plan to revitalize the secondary healthcare system, Dr. Bartholomew offered the strategic support of the Gravitas Institute, the training arm of HALG, to build capacity among newly recruited health workers.
“We are ready to ensure that newly recruited professionals are equipped with the leadership and management tools required to drive the state’s health goals,” he said.
Responding, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk commended Heartland Alliance and other partners for their critical role in reducing HIV prevalence in Cross River State from 6.1 percent to less than 2 percent, describing the achievement as a milestone in the state’s public health journey.
The Commissioner noted that the newly donated internet facility would be central to the Ministry’s digital transformation and evidence-based policy formulation.
“I want you to take the assignment of data evidence seriously. Work with our focal persons to show how your data translates into policy outcomes. This evidence is what we need to manage our cases for tomorrow,” Dr. Ayuk said.
He identified Calabar South, Akpabuyo, and Yala as priority areas for intensified intervention to further suppress infection rates and consolidate recent gains.
The meeting ended with a formal commitment to fully integrate modern technological tools, AI diagnostics, and technical expertise into Cross River State’s health framework.
Those present at the session included Dr. Roger Abang, Deputy Chief of Party (HALG); Dr. Igiriga Ajah, State Team Lead; Dr. Godpower Essien, Lead Clinician; Ms. Ndifreke Usanga, Program Officer; and senior directors of the Ministry of Health.
Kingsley Agim/Jessica Ubi
