The Cross River State Government is prioritizing the health of its citizens by extending the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project to all 196 wards across the state.
During a one-day advocacy and sensitization meeting with Local Government Chairmen, Health Supervisory Councillors, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders, held in the conference hall of Calabar Municipal Council, Monday, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, reaffirmed this commitment.
The IMPACT project aims to improve malaria prevention and treatment services, with particular focus on rural areas where the disease poses greater risk.
Speaking to the stakeholders, Dr. Ayuk highlighted the urgency of the project’s implementation. “We have an important task ahead, and we must accelerate our efforts. Collaboration between the Project Implementation Unit and the Ward Development Committees (WDC) is critical to achieving our objectives,” he said.
Dr. Ayuk also commended the state Governor for his support, particularly through the release of counterpart funding to combat malaria. This financial backing underscores the government's dedication to improving healthcare access and reducing malaria prevalence across the state.
Dr. Vivien Mesembe Otu, Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, outlined the four core components of the IMPACT project: malaria, immunization, knowledge for change, and emergency response. These elements, she said, collectively aim to lower infant and maternal mortality rates in Cross River and Nigeria at large.
“We cannot achieve our mission without your support,” Dr. Otu stated, while addressing stakeholders. “Your partnership is essential to ensure effective community engagement as we implement these interventions.”
She further called on all stakeholders, development partners, and the public to collaborate in the fight against malaria, working towards a malaria-free Cross River State and Nigeria.
Providing further insight on the project, Dr. Paul Odey, the Cross River State IMPACT Project Manager, represented by Mr. Ifere Obeten, explained that the World Bank is supporting the Nigerian government through a Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) intervention to strengthen primary healthcare systems and reduce under-five mortality rates.
Dr. Odey emphasized that the IMPACT project is a major investment in Nigeria's health sector, designed to enhance service delivery and fortify healthcare systems across the country.
The initiative, a collaborative effort between the State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, underscores Cross River State's commitment to creating healthier communities and improving the lives of its citizens.
Ebi Collins, Beagle News
