By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Government has rewarded outstanding local government leaders and health workers during the Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge Fund Award Ceremony held in Awka.
The event was organized by the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with development partners to encourage excellence, innovation, and accountability in primary healthcare delivery across the state’s 21 local government areas.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said the gathering was an opportunity to celebrate individuals and local governments that have shown commitment to improving primary healthcare services.
According to him, the challenge was designed to promote effective leadership at the grassroots level, improve health outcomes, encourage creative solutions to healthcare challenges, and reward outstanding performance. He also praised Governor Chukwuma Soludo for the administration’s investments in healthcare infrastructure and services across the state.
Dr. Obidike noted that the government’s efforts have contributed significantly to the improvement of primary healthcare delivery, making Anambra one of the leading states in the Southeast region. He also commended the wife of the governor, Dr. Nonye Soludo, for her contributions to the health sector through the Healthy Living Initiative.
In her address, Dr. Nonye Soludo described the award ceremony as a strong demonstration of the state’s commitment to building a healthcare system that is accessible, accountable, and focused on the needs of the people. She applauded the Ministry of Health, the Primary Health Care Development Agency, development partners, and other stakeholders for supporting the initiative.
She said that the Soludo administration has continued to strengthen primary healthcare through improved infrastructure, recruitment and training of health workers, better access to essential medicines, and enhanced maternal and child health services.
Dr. Soludo added that strong primary healthcare remains the foundation of disease prevention, immunization, nutrition, and community health education. She encouraged all stakeholders to continue supporting efforts aimed at improving the well-being of residents across the state.
At the award presentation, the Mayor of Anaocha Local Government Area, Hon. Romanus era Ibekwe, emerged as the overall winner and received a cash prize of three million naira. The Mayor of Ihiala Local Government Area, Mr. Anayo Orjiakor, came second and received two million naira, while the Mayor of Oyi Local Government Area, Dr. Emma Nweke, placed third and received one million naira.
Other award recipients included Dr. Amadi Chibuike, who won the Best Telemedicine Doctor Award, and Chukwuma Ifeoma, who received the HIV Best Desk Officer Award. Both received cash prizes of two hundred thousand naira each. Mrs. Edith Onwuka was recognized as the Best Programme Manager in the State and received three hundred thousand naira.
Representatives of the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) also delivered goodwill messages and commended Anambra State’s efforts in strengthening primary healthcare services.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
