The Ogun State government, in collaboration with the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project Implementation Unit, held a key stakeholders’ engagement on Wednesday in Abeokuta. The meeting aimed to discuss the contributions of the IMPACT Project to the state’s health sector and ensure a unified approach to its implementation. Chaired by the State Commissioner for Health, Tomi Coker, the event brought together 20 local government chairmen, health secretaries, development partners, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and members of ward development committees, among others.
According to DAILY POST, the IMPACT health intervention project is backed by the World Bank in collaboration with the federal government, the Federal Ministry of Health, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency. The project’s overarching goal is to reduce the under-five mortality rate and improve access to quality healthcare services for children and women in selected states, including Ogun. The meeting aimed to update stakeholders on the project and clarify its objectives, which include strengthening primary healthcare service delivery and revitalizing health centers, especially in underserved areas with limited access to health services.
During her presentation, Commissioner Coker emphasized the state government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery. She announced plans to recruit 400 Senior Community Health Workers (CHEWs) to bolster the workforce at primary healthcare centers across Ogun State. This recruitment is part of the state’s larger strategy to improve healthcare services at the grassroots level, ensuring that all residents have access to essential medical care.
Dr. Kofoworola Olajide, the IMPACT Project Manager, elaborated on the project’s goals, which include a 40 percent reduction in child mortality rates by improving immunization coverage and expanding prevention and treatment services throughout Ogun. One of the key aspects of the project is the revitalization of 75 primary healthcare centers across the state’s 20 local government areas (LGAs). These centers will receive improvements, including upgraded facilities, training for healthcare workers, and the provision of laptops to streamline health data collection and management. Olajide assured that the IMPACT Project would significantly improve the health indices in Ogun State.
In his address, Elijah Ogunsola, the Executive Secretary of the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, reiterated the administration’s commitment to revitalizing the health sector. He noted that the IMPACT Project plays a pivotal role in achieving universal health coverage and enhancing the well-being of Ogun residents. Ogunsola also stated that the meeting was designed to familiarize all participants with the project’s objectives, scope, and timelines to ensure that everyone involved is aligned and working toward the same goal of improving healthcare delivery.
Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Olaolu Olabimtan, emphasized the importance of collaboration and effective communication at all levels, especially in rural areas, to achieve the government’s health sector objectives. He highlighted that fostering strong partnerships and open lines of communication would be critical in creating a healthier environment for Ogun’s citizens.
The chairman of Sagamu Local Government Area, Ogbeni Odulate, spoke on behalf of the local government chairmen, expressing gratitude to the state government and the IMPACT Project for initiating the program. He lauded the potential of the project to transform healthcare delivery at the grassroots level and improve the lives of Ogun State residents.
The stakeholders’ engagement marked an important step towards the successful implementation of the 2025 IMPACT Project, with all parties committed to working together to ensure its success and improve the health outcomes of the state’s population.
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