By Kemi Olatunde

The necessity for stakeholders to engage in knowledge and information exchange to address challenges facing the Primary Health Care (PHC) system has been emphasised.

Dr Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), highlighted this during the agency’s quarterly PHC review meeting held in Akure on Friday.

Akanbiemu underscored the importance of communication, irrespective of status, acquired knowledge, or intelligence, stating that the integrated review meeting serves as a platform for sharing insights.

He urged health workers to make their facilities appealing to patients and encouraged professionals and stakeholders to foster a sense of ownership and promote positive behavioural changes within the sector.

Dr Akanbiemu noted that the IMPACT project aims to address the adverse health indicators plaguing the sector by introducing positive interventions.

In her remarks, Dr (Mrs) Yetunde Olagbuji, Director of Planning, Research, and Statistics at OSPHCDA, stressed the importance of accurate data as a solution to the sector’s challenges.

She urged primary health workers to embrace the IMPACT project, given the expectations for its successful implementation.

Dr Paulinus Omode, Director of Medical Services at the Agency and State Project Manager for Immunisation Plus under the IMPACT Project, explained that the integrated meeting was used to introduce the IMPACT initiative to grassroots health managers.

According to him, the project aims to enhance the utilisation and quality of Immunisation Plus and malaria services across the state.

The scope of the Immunisation Plus services encompasses Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, and Adolescent Health+Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) alongside Immunisation services.

Dr Omode revealed that the Institute of Human Virology of Nigeria (IHVN) will manage the malaria component, which includes the provision of anti-malarial medications, distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated nets, capacity building, project assessment and monitoring, supportive supervision, and community engagement across all Local Government Areas (LGAs) to boost malaria service utilisation.

Mr Tunde Ayoade, representing UNICEF, expressed the organisation’s commitment to collaboration and collective action in realising sustainable development goals, particularly in health, education, and the welfare of women and children.

He described the IMPACT Project as a notable example of effective partnerships in addressing critical challenges and fostering sustainable improvements for vulnerable populations.

Similarly, Mr Adetunji Adeoye of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) conveyed appreciation to healthcare workers and stakeholders for their unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the sector.

Facilitated by the Agency in conjunction with the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project, the meeting featured presentations on various topics. Mrs Olivia Adesola presented on the Development Objectives (PDO) of the IMPACT project, the 2025 State service delivery targets, and the PHC performance baseline assessment report.

Other presentations included the Ondo State PHC performance feedback by Mrs Olanike Omomowo, surveillance feedback by Mrs Dosumu of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and IMPACT DFF activities by Dr (Mrs) Adeayo Olajide.

Attendees included Directors of Health from OSPHCDA and the 18 LGAs, Programme Officers, and Health Management Information System Officers from across the state.