Chinedum Treasure
Wife of Anambra state governor, Dr Nonye Soludo has restated State Government’s commitment to building responsive, accountable, innovative, and people-centred healthcare system.
Soludo stated this during an award ceremony for the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Fund for Local Governments in Awka organized by State Government, through the Primary Health Care Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and its partners.
According to her, Governor Soludo’s administration has continued to reposition healthcare as a critical pillar of sustainable development.
“Under the visionary leadership of Governor Soludo, Anambra has witnessed remarkable progress in primary healthcare delivery through strategic investments in health infrastructure, the recruitment and training of healthcare personnel, the upgrading of primary healthcare centres, improved access to essential medicines, and strengthened maternal and child health services.
“As the founder of the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, I understand firsthand the importance of strong primary healthcare systems in improving the well-being of families and communities.
“Primary healthcare remains the bedrock of disease prevention, health promotion, maternal and child care, immunization, nutrition, and community health education, which is why we have continued to complement government efforts through interventions and partnerships that promote healthy living.
“We’ve also been supporting mothers and children, strengthen nutrition awareness, and encourage preventive healthcare practices,” she said.
The First Lady commended Ministry of Health, ASPHCDA, development partners and stakeholders for instituting the challenge, which recognizes excellence in leadership and service delivery at the grassroots level.
Congratulating the award recipients, Soludo thanked stakeholders whose efforts, she said had continued to make the state a model for quality healthcare delivery, urging them to remain steadfast in their shared pursuit of a healthier, stronger and more prosperous State.
“The ceremony recognizes leaders whose commitment, hard work and innovation have contributed significantly to advancing healthcare goals within their local government areas.
“By celebrating outstanding performance, they inspire greater dedication and reinforce the values that drive sustainable development in the health sector,” she added.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike said the event was not merely a competition but a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize the health and well-being of Ndi Anambra through stronger collaboration.
He said the current administration has continued to prioritize healthcare through massive investments in primary healthcare centres, which have enabled the state to emerge as one of the best-performing states in the Southeast.
“The event was conceptualized to establish leadership and accountability at the local government level.
“The programme strengthens local government participation, improves healthcare outcomes through critical interventions, promotes innovative solutions to local healthcare challenges, and rewards excellence,” he added.
Obidike commended Soludo’s leadership and innovation through strategic overhaul of healthcare centres across the state, just as he praised the wife for her numerous contributions to the health sector through the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative.
“Today’s gathering is to celebrate leadership, innovation, accountability, and their shared commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system in all the local government areas of the state.
Chairman of Oyi Local Government Area, Dr. Emma Nweke, emerged third in the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge and received N1million, while Anayo Orjiakor of Ihiala Local Government Area came second and received N2 million, and the overall best-performing Mayor, Rome Ibekwe of Anaocha Local Government Area, received N3 million.
The Best Telemedicine Doctor Award went to Dr. Amadi Chibuike, while the HIV Best Desk Officer Award was presented to Chukwuma Ifeoma, with each recipient receiving N200,000.
The Best Programme Manager in the State Award went to Mrs. Edith Onwuka, who received N300,000 while goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
The award ceremony, which attracted relevant stakeholders, provided an avenue for participants to evaluate and commend the leadership qualities of Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his wife, Dr. Nonye Soludo, in promoting healthcare delivery in the State.
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