The Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has reaffirmed the government’s dedication to strengthening the healthcare system. Represented by his deputy, Elder Joel Oyibo, Governor Ododo emphasized the state’s ongoing efforts to revitalize primary healthcare centers, enhance the skills of healthcare workers, and provide essential personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure their safety.
During the opening ceremony for the training of frontline health workers, Deputy Governor Oyibo highlighted the significant progress made in revitalizing over 70 primary healthcare centers, with an additional 88 centers currently undergoing revitalization through the impactful project. Furthermore, plans are in place to recruit more nurses and midwives to bolster the healthcare workforce. Oyibo expressed gratitude to healthcare workers, development partners, and stakeholders for their unwavering support and collaboration, underscoring the government’s vision to position Kogi State as a beacon of healthcare excellence in Nigeria.
The training program is a pivotal component of the state government’s comprehensive strategy to enhance healthcare services, particularly for women and children. With the invaluable support of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency and other key partners, Kogi State is steadfastly working towards achieving improved health outcomes and fostering a more prosperous
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the Kogi State Commissioner for Health, emphasized the significance of the Frontline Health Workers Training ceremony, acknowledging the crucial role healthcare professionals play in providing quality services to the community. He praised the organizers, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for their tireless efforts in making the event a reality.
Dr. Abdulazeez highlighted the importance of training, which aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care. He emphasized that the training is designed to address the unique challenges faced by healthcare workers in Kogi State. The commissioner noted that the state government has made significant progress in improving healthcare services, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres.
Dr. Muazu Omaiza Musa, Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, emphasized the importance of primary healthcare in Kogi State, describing frontline health workers as “frontline soldiers” who provide essential health services in communities. Dr. Musa omeiza noted that the primary healthcare system faces numerous challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, inadequate skilled personnel, and limited resources.
The training program, he explained, aims to equip health workers with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide high-quality care, promote healthy behaviours, prevent diseases, and address social determinants of health. Dr. Musa omeiza commended the Kogi State Government for its commitment to strengthening the healthcare system, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for his commitment to improving healthcare in Kogi State. Represented by Dr. Ngozi Nwosu, Director Primary Healthcare System Development, NPHCDA. She expressed Dr. Ainas’ gratitude to the governor for his efforts in revitalizing primary healthcare facilities, reducing maternal and child mortality, and improving access to healthcare services.
The NPHCDA has trained 1,282 online health workers and distributed personal protective equipment kits donated by the First Lady Sen. Remi Tinubu, the National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Initiative. Dr. Nwosu also announced the commencement of the Miami program, aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in local government areas. Furthermore, the NPHCDA has launched a comprehensive training program for 120,000 frontline health workers, designed to equip them with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide integrated and quality health services.
Goodwill messages were delivered by partners, including WHO, UNICEF, religious, and Traditional rulers, who promised to support the initiative of the Governor in bringing healthcare to the doorstep of the people of the state. They urged the frontline healthcare workers to take the training program seriously as it will positively impact the lives of the people of the state.
Dorothy Onoja
PRO
Ministry of Health
