By Marvellous Ezenwa, Awka
The Special Adviser on Health to the Mayor of Awka-South, Pharm. Henry Iloh, has met with the Health Team of Awka-South Local Government Area on a familiarization visit and strategic meeting, as directed by the Mayor, Prince Chinedu Okafor.
The meeting, held with the Director of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHC), Dr. Mrs. Ngozi Okeke, and other coordinating staff, focused on proactive measures to address emerging healthcare challenges in Nigeria and Anambra State, including reported cases of Ebola, Lassa fever, and infrastructural gaps in healthcare delivery.
Dr. Okeke briefed the Special Adviser on ongoing awareness campaigns, existing measures, and challenges faced in the field. She highlighted the establishment of a Rapid Response Taskforce (RRT) to tackle health issues in Awka-South, with plans for an official inauguration by the Mayor in the coming weeks.
The taskforce will serve as a frontline mechanism to respond swiftly to health emergencies and strengthen community health resilience. Pharm. Iloh also received updates on the infrastructural state of PHCs across Awka-South.
Dr. Okeke reported that while the centers are in good condition, staffing remains a challenge. She shared positive news that through UNICEF funding, three PHCs are set for infrastructural revamp, including the long-awaited construction of a Primary Care Health Centre at Mopol Base, Agu-Awka, which has been a pressing need especially during the rainy season.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Mayor, Mr. Cyril Okonkwo, emphasized the importance of publicizing healthcare activities to increase awareness among residents. He noted that upcoming sensitization programs will help indigenes of Awka-South understand the role of PHCs and encourage them to participate actively.
This visibility, he added, will attract donors, philanthropists, and healthcare observers to support the local government’s health initiatives.
Mayor Prince Chinedu Okafor reaffirms his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery in Awka-South, stressing that proactive measures and collaboration with partners are essential to safeguard the health of the people.
