Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling human resource challenges in healthcare delivery. ‎‎The Commissioner for Health, Doctor Henry Ayuk , who gave the reaffirmation during a meeting with partners on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care in Calabar, said the State has also embarked on revitalizing its primary healthcare infrastructure.‎‎
Doctor Ayuk noted that Cross River in collaboration with the World Bank-funded Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, has awarded contracts for the revitalization of 82 Primary HealthCares across the State.‎‎
The Commissioner for Health, explained that “the initiative aims to modernize healthcare facilities, while ensuring that they are equipped to provide quality services to residents.‎‎” The initiative aims to modernize healthcare facilities, ensuring they are equipped to provide quality services to residents” he added.‎‎
He noted that the Hope Primary Healthcare (PHC) Project, sponsored for all States, “aims to reduce the disease burden among pregnant women and children under five years. These two groups account for over 60% of disease burdens, making them a focal point for universal health coverage initiatives.”‎‎
Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Ekpo Bassey, highlighted government’s prioritization of the health sector, stressing the emotional toll of maternal and child mortality. ‎‎He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the secondary healthcare facilities to enhance service delivery.‎‎
Also contributing, the Technical Lead for Maternal, Newborn Health, Family Planning, and Reproductive Health at JHPIEGO Nigeria, Doctor Jaiyeola Oyetunji commended Governor Bassey Otu’s administration for the State’s support so far in improving maternal and child health which he said was in alignment with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national health agenda.‎‎Doctor Oyetunji emphasized the need to ensure that all pregnant women have positive pregnancy experiences.
