The stakeholders in Anambra State have come together to tackle the challenges facing maternal, and child health care delivery at grassroots among other things in the state
They agreed that all hands must be on deck with adequate collaboration with health practitioners at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) towards ensuring that vulnerable groups, children, and women gain improved access to healthcare services at the grassroots.
It was during a two-day capacity-strengthening workshop at the Njikoka Local Government Area headquarters, Abagana that involved all the stakeholders.
The Executive Secretary, Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Chisom Uchem, a pharmacist, appealed while charging Officers across 21 LGAs to sit up.
The programme was organised by the Strengthen Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK II) project, a non-governmental organisation supported by International Budget Partnership (IBP), and implemented by the Justice Development and Peace Caritas (JDPC) Nnewi, Community Empowerment Network (COMEN) and Civil Rights Concern (CRC) in collaboration with ASPHCDA.
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Uchem identified the groups as key stakeholders in primary healthcare services delivery, arguing that effective collaborations would help to rebuild trust and encourage vulnerable children, and mothers to participate in immunisation and other health programmes.
The Director, JDPC, Catholic Diocese of Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Ben Okolo, argued that Anambra State has the potential to become a model for other States in Nigeria by demonstrating effective collaboration, capacity building, and community ownership of healthcare delivery.
“The role of capacity building in this regard is to equip you with the knowledge, tools, and strategies needed to navigate complex public finance management issues.
“These include budget tracking, proper fund retirement, and ensuring that healthcare services are delivered efficiently and equitably,” he stated