The Abia State Government and UNICEF have reaffirmed their partnership to improve primary healthcare services across the state, with fresh measures aimed at enhancing service delivery, increasing immunization coverage, and addressing the challenge of staff absenteeism in health facilities.

The commitment was restated during the Second Quarter Primary Healthcare Review Meeting held at the Government House in Umuahia, where stakeholders reviewed progress made in the sector and discussed strategies to tackle emerging challenges.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Governor Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu commended stakeholders for the gains recorded since the first-quarter review. He highlighted improvements in immunization coverage, the renovation of health facilities, increased use of healthcare services, and stronger community participation in health programmes.

Despite the progress, Emetu identified several issues that require urgent attention, including absenteeism among healthcare workers, vandalism of medical equipment, delays in diagnostic services, and limited community ownership of health facilities.

He noted that the review meeting provided an opportunity to assess second-quarter performance, evaluate the implementation of earlier resolutions, and develop practical measures to improve healthcare outcomes across the state.

The deputy governor reiterated the commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to strengthening primary healthcare, describing it as the foundation of the state’s healthcare system.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ulu Kalu, applauded the state government for its continued support of the health sector.

He expressed concern over the persistent absenteeism of some healthcare workers despite regular monitoring and disciplinary actions, warning that acts of negligence and indiscipline would no longer be tolerated.

Representatives of UNICEF and other development partners also commended the state’s efforts and pledged continued support for ongoing reforms.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Ephraim Chukwu highlighted the organisation’s support for the deployment of a Logistics Management Information System, which provides real-time tracking of healthcare commodities at health facilities.

He also noted that UNICEF has supported the direct distribution of nutrition supplies and other healthcare materials to facilities, a move expected to reduce the number of zero-dose children and further improve immunization coverage.

The representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nwanehiudo Kelechi, outlined several interventions supporting healthcare delivery in the state. These include the Primary Health Care Integrated Supportive Supervision Programme, the Last Mile Visibility Tool, and the VAX Track platform, all designed to strengthen monitoring, accountability, and service delivery.

Also speaking, representatives of John Snow Inc. (JSI), represented by Dr. Amuzie Chidinma, praised Abia State’s performance in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. She disclosed that the state has achieved a 44 per cent HPV vaccination coverage rate.

The organisation also pledged continued support for routine immunization programmes, data quality assessments, and school health initiatives.

Stakeholders at the meeting emphasized the importance of stronger accountability mechanisms, increased community involvement, and sustained collaboration between government and development partners to ensure quality primary healthcare services reach all communities across Abia State.

The meeting was attended by government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, and other stakeholders, including the Deputy Mayor of Isuikwuato Local Government Area, Hon. Njoko Ifeanyi.