The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Mr Dennis Idahosa, has directed that primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in rural communities be strengthened to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for residents across the state.
The directive was contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Friday Aghedo, following the fourth quarterly meeting of the Edo State Primary Health Care Taskforce, which Idahosa chaired on Friday in Benin.
The deputy governor described rural healthcare delivery as critical to improving health outcomes and challenged local government chairmen to deepen access to essential services, stressing that governance must deliver visible impact at the grassroots.
As chairman of the taskforce, Idahosa emphasized the need for full mobilization ahead of the Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign scheduled for 2026.
He said the campaign would target children aged nine months to 14 years, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
“Our collective goal is to reach every eligible child in Edo State with the MR vaccine. No child should be left behind,” Idahosa said.
He explained that the campaign was designed to strengthen herd immunity and protect communities from preventable disease outbreaks, noting that its success would depend on effective collaboration among state actors, local councils and health workers.
The deputy governor said the meeting, which marked the taskforce’s final session for 2025, provided an opportunity to review progress, refine strategies and prepare for intensified action in the coming year.
He reaffirmed that health remained a central pillar of the SHINE agenda of Gov. Monday Okpebholo’s administration.
“Under the governor’s guidance, we have sustained momentum in strengthening our primary healthcare system and expanding access to essential services across the state,” he said.
Idahosa expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the health sector over the past year, attributing the gains to teamwork and partnerships with development agencies.
“These outcomes are the result of your collective efforts and the strong collaboration we have enjoyed with our development partners,” he said.
He also acknowledged the strategic role of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in aligning Edo State’s interventions with national priorities.
Looking ahead, Idahosa said the first quarter of 2026 would focus on field engagement, including inspections and direct interaction with health workers across the state’s 192 PHCs in all 18 local government areas.
“We do not want to sit in Benin and assume things are working elsewhere. We want to inspect facilities and engage health workers where our people actually receive care, especially in rural areas,” he said.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole.
