The World Bank has commended the Cross River State Government for its proactive and results-driven approach to strengthening primary healthcare delivery under the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project.
During a facility inspection visit to Calabar, the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for the IMPACT Project, Mr. Onoriode Ezire, praised Governor Bassey Otu for his exceptional leadership in securing the state’s inclusion in the multi-state intervention, despite Cross River not being originally listed among participating states.
“I must commend the Governor, Senator Bassey Otu. Cross River was not part of the original design of the IMPACT project, but through his personal interest and commitment to the health of his people, the state was brought on board,” Ezire stated. “What we are witnessing today (renovated facilities, deployment of healthcare workers, and improved service delivery) is a testament to that leadership.”
The IMPACT Project, supported by the World Bank, focuses on improving maternal and child health outcomes, increasing immunization coverage, and strengthening malaria control. This is being achieved through the upgrading of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), recruitment of frontline health workers, and provision of essential medical commodities.
Ezire revealed that 82 PHCs across Cross River are currently being upgraded to “level two” status, with each ward now having at least one skilled birth attendant. “The transformation is remarkable. The feedback from both staff and clients is overwhelmingly positive,” he said.
He also noted improvements in work environments at the upgraded facilities. “Nobody wants to work in darkness or without water. Now that these gaps are being addressed, healthcare workers are more motivated and better equipped to serve,” he said.
The World Bank official lauded the state’s performance-based monitoring strategy, including quarterly review meetings involving local government stakeholders. “It fosters accountability and healthy competition among LGAs, which ultimately drives better health outcomes,” he added.
Ezire specifically praised the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, describing him as a hands-on leader with a deep commitment to the project. “He visits project sites himself, sometimes crossing rivers to assess progress. That kind of leadership is rare and commendable,” he noted.
In his response, Dr. Ayuk expressed gratitude to the World Bank for its support and recounted the effort required to get Cross River included in the IMPACT Project. “It was not easy. We had to fight for this opportunity. But we believed in it and we pushed hard. Today, we’re seeing the fruits of that effort,” the Commissioner said.
He emphasized the need for sustainability. “Beyond infrastructure and staffing, we must ensure that systems endure after the project ends. That’s why we’re emphasizing team cohesion, accountability, and ownership at all levels,” Dr. Ayuk said.
State Programme Manager for the IMPACT Project, Dr. Paul Odey, disclosed that 196 health workers have been deployed across the 196 political wards of the state. He added that data already indicate improvements in maternal and child health indicators. “This is just the beginning. With sustained commitment, Cross River can become a national model in primary healthcare delivery,” he said.
Dr. Odey also stressed the need for a sustainability plan, noting that long-term success depends on the state government’s willingness to maintain the gains recorded under the IMPACT Project. “We’ve built momentum, but the next step is institutionalizing these changes,” he noted.
Director of the Local Government Health Authority in Calabar Municipality, Mrs. Bassey Effiong, confirmed that the facelift provided by the project has led to an increase in patient turnout. “We are very happy. The upgrades have made our facility more functional and appealing. We appreciate the support from the state government and the World Bank,” she said.
The World Bank Task Team Leader also visited several project sites in Calabar South and Calabar Municipality and held strategic meetings with stakeholders, including the State IMPACT Project Coordinating Unit and officials of the Ministry of Health.
At a high-level meeting with the Deputy Governor of Cross River, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, the World Bank delegation received further assurances of the state’s readiness to take full ownership of the project. The Deputy Governor praised the initiative and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare across the state.
“Governor Otu is fully committed to the health sector. All ongoing projects will meet required standards, and we are developing an effective sustainability plan to ensure continued service delivery,” Odey said.
He also commended the State Programme Manager, Dr. Paul Odey, for his resilience and dedication to ensuring the success of the IMPACT Project in the state.
With the visible transformation already underway, Cross River is fast becoming a benchmark for results-oriented investment in public health infrastructure and service delivery in Nigeria.
