No fewer than 5,000 residents in Ogun State have benefited from medical outreaches under the National Health Fellowship Programme, a flagship Federal Government intervention under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this at the graduation ceremony for Cohort 1.0 and the unveiling of Cohort 2.0 of the programme in Abeokuta on Monday.
Coker noted that the programme strengthens Primary Health Care (PHC) by raising a new generation of health leaders, deploying young professionals across Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas.
She explained that it aims to improve service delivery, promote accountability, and reinforce health systems at the grassroots.
In Ogun State, fellows were assigned to the 20 local government areas, covering nine thematic impact areas over the past year.
Through targeted medical outreaches, residents received diagnosis and treatment for malaria, hypertension, and diabetes, with essential medicines distributed free of charge.
“In maternal and child health, more than 500 women were educated on nutrition, antenatal care, and safe delivery practices.
“Digital innovations such as MamaReach were developed to improve emergency referrals and reduce maternal mortality.
“These are not just projects — they are lifelines for vulnerable families.
“In primary healthcare strengthening, over 200 PHCs were monitored and supported. Solar lighting systems were installed in underserved facilities, restoring critical services to communities of over 3,000 residents in some locations,” she said.
Coker added that fellows underwent structured training via Learning Management System modules on leadership, public health, financial management, data analytics, and systems thinking.
“The first cohort has completed the programme, while a second cohort has been onboarded to sustain and expand the gains.
“The focus remains on building resilient health systems, restoring public confidence in health institutions, and improving health outcomes across Ogun State,” she said.
The commissioner commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and development partners for their support and collaboration.
Earlier, Dr. Kayode Oladehinde, Permanent Secretary, Ogun Ministry of Health, said the initiative moves Nigeria closer to Universal Health Coverage through a home-grown, sustainable approach.
“It is part of the National Health Renewal Investment Initiative of the Federal Ministry of Health, aimed at strengthening the nation’s health system with a focus on primary health care.
“The core objective is to engage young health professionals in driving reforms and supporting grassroots service delivery.
“A total of 774 fellows have been deployed nationwide. Ogun State currently has 20 fellows graduating today.
“This Federal Government initiative, fully embraced by Ogun State, has recorded significant success and remains a worthy investment in our health system’s future,” he said.
