Kemi Olatunde

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The World Bank has assured Ondo State of its support in ensuring successful implementation of the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT project).

World Bank Senior Social Development Specialist, Dr. Desmond Opara stated this during an Implementation Support Mission for the IMPACT Project by the bank in Akure.the state capital.

According to him, the main objective of the mission is to review implementation progress and actions needed for an orderly project closure by December 30, 2025.

He explained that the team is on ground to review the progress of the project towards the achievement of the Project Development Objective (PDO) and ensure that all activities are on track for successful project completion, adding that “it will take stock of progress of the National Project Management Units (PMU), State Ministry of Health
and State Primary Healthcare Development Agencies on actions agreed since the last mission, evaluate the robustness and function of safeguards systems and compliances, review fiduciary compliance, identify any challenges or issues that need to be addressed before project closure as well as discuss and plan the next steps for project closure with all relevant stakeholders.”

He assured of making judicious use of the remaining time to fast track implementation in the state, stating that “We will provide some checklist in some areas to cover up the gaps if there are any.”

He called for openness among stakeholders to encourage successful implementation of the project and services in the state.

In his welcome address, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Ayodele Adelusi noted that the IMPACT project aimed at reducing the burden of malaria and improve immunisation survey among under five children.

He thanked the World Bank for its support in ensuring that things are done rightly urging the bank to offer good suggestions for the improvement of health services in the state.

He stressed the need to have proper land document of health facilities in the state , saying “The document must be properly kept. This will prevent encroachment of health facilities by individuals in history communities.”

He also called for the extension of the IMPACT project in the state.

In her presentation, Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, IMPACT project, Sola Adeyinka noted that there was 73 percent target of under five children were tested in January 2025, stating that there was an observed upward trend in the proportion of children under five who presented with fever and tested for malaria in the state.

According to her, post Natal care improved in year 2025 first quarter in the state.