Stakeholders in the health sector have lauded the reduction in child mortality, attributing the progress to healthcare services delivered under the Immunisation Plus Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project.
The IMPACT project is sponsored by the World Bank in collaboration with the Ondo State Government to improve access to essential healthcare services across the state.
Speaking at a community engagement in Isua Akoko, Akoko South East Local Government Area on Monday, stakeholders said the project had expanded access to basic healthcare for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.
Dr Francis Akanbiemu, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said the project focused on maternal care, safe deliveries, postnatal services, immunisation, and the prevention and treatment of malaria.
Represented by Dr Adeayo Omotehinse, Director of Health System Development, Akanbiemu said services such as family planning and free malaria drugs were available at all primary healthcare centres across the state.
He said the community engagement was aimed at enlightening and sensitising stakeholders on the need to continue accessing and benefiting from services provided under the IMPACT project.
According to him, the engagement will also enable the government to recognise outstanding beneficiaries by rewarding them with plaques and cash prizes for their commitment to utilising healthcare services effectively.
The permanent secretary added that the gesture would encourage awardees to serve as advocates of the project, promoting its benefits and encouraging wider participation within their communities.
He said the state government had prioritised healthcare under its Ease Agenda and urged residents to support efforts aimed at achieving accessible and quality healthcare services for all.
In his remarks, Josiah Adefila, the Aro of Isua Akoko, said the project had significantly reduced child mortality rates in the area through improved healthcare access.
Adefila added that the initiative had also contributed to poverty reduction by providing free medical services and promoting family planning practices among beneficiaries.
He urged residents who were yet to benefit from the programme to take advantage of the opportunity, describing it as impactful and essential for improving overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Also speaking, Saliu Jamiu, Chief Imam of the area, described the project as an effective intervention for tackling life-threatening diseases and improving health outcomes.
Jamiu called on community members to support government efforts in achieving the objectives of the project, emphasising collective responsibility in sustaining its successes.
Appreciating the initiative, family planning awardee, Mrs Temitope Sayo, said it would improve household wellbeing by helping families align the number of children with their financial capacity.
Similarly, immunisation awardee, Mrs Ajiwo Stephen, said her child had received all required vaccines and urged other parents to ensure their children are consistently presented for routine immunisation.
In her remarks, health facility awardee, Mrs Mariam Omogaji, said she consistently attended antenatal programmes during pregnancy, which contributed to her recognition and positive maternal health experience.
