The Edo State commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole on Friday said the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transformation Service (Impact Project) has boosted healthcare delivery and services among critical stakeholders in the state.
Oshiomhole spoke at the second quarter appraisal meeting held in Benin City, the Edo state Capital which had in attendance representatives from the Edo State Ministry of Health, Edo State Health Insurance (EDOHIS), the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Medical Officers of Health, Technical Partners, EDSPHCDA staff as well as the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) Impact Project, Edo State.
The commissioner noted that the project was aimed at improving health care in the state by reducing maternal mortality adding that medical equipment were also procured for the smooth running of the project.
He stated that through the Impact Project, ultrasound machines were bought and distributed to LGAs while Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) were also hired to support frontline health workers in reducing maternal deaths.
In addition, he said 61 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) were being upgraded across the 18 LGAs of the state with plans to launch the PHCs soon.
Also, the executive secretary of EDSPHCDA, Dr Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia explained that the Impact Project is a World Bank-sponsored initiative in partnership with the Edo State government.
“The goal of the Impact Project is to provide better healthcare services and improve infrastructure in Edo State. This is done in partnership with the state government, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okphebholo, which is fully committed to improving the health of the people of Edo,” he said.
On his part, the project manager, Dr Idemudia Osayomore highlighted the achievements under the programme, which he said include upgrading 61 health facilities, offering free antenatal services, family planning, health education, free deliveries and free malaria testing and treatment at the 146 BHCPF/IMPACT-supported facilities.
He also noted that routine immunisation for children under five was ongoing, along with the distribution of free Mama kits to mothers after delivery at the BHCPF/IMPACT-supported facilities.
“The project’s main goal is to reduce child mortality and prevent unnecessary maternal death as well as improve Primary healthcare services and utilization in Edo State.”
