ASABA/Nigeria: Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, of Delta State, has made an unwavering commitment to deliver accessible healthcare systems to the people of Delta State, regardless of their location.
This promise was made during an advocacy visit at the Government House, Asaba, where he welcomed Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Ireye, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organisation (WHO), and her delegation.
In his remarks, Governor Oborevwori expressed his gratitude to WHO and various healthcare partners for their consistent support in advancing the health sector within the state and the nation. He assured that his administration would continue to bolster their efforts to ensure the health and overall well-being of all Deltans.
“One of my first actions as governor was to give approval for the rehabilitation of 260 primary healthcare centers across the state, and our goal is to ensure that functional healthcare centers are readily available to our people, no matter where they reside,” Governor Oborevwori emphasized.
The governor also commended the WHO’s global impact in improving health, stating, “If there is one global body that has positively touched the lives of people all over the world, it is the World Health Organisation. I deeply appreciate the efforts of WHO to make the world healthier and safer for all of us.”
Furthermore, he pledged his administration’s commitment to addressing climate change risks to health, lauding WHO’s relentless advocacy campaigns on this issue. He affirmed their readiness to collaborate with WHO in developing new policies to adapt to a rapidly changing climate.
Governor Oborevwori highlighted that his administration had maintained the free maternal and children-under-five healthcare program, in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Health for All Deltans (HeFAD) policy. He also noted that over 20% of the population in Delta State, the highest in the country, is currently enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme.
Dr. Ireye, WHO’s State Coordinator, congratulated the Governor on his electoral success and applauded the state government’s initiatives, such as free medical treatment for children under five and pregnant women. She stressed the importance of sustaining these noble efforts.
The WHO Coordinator also called for the revitalization of primary healthcare services, emphasizing the need for an improved healthcare workforce, and the amendment of the laws governing the Primary Health Care Development Agency in the state.
Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access for all Deltans and his appreciation of WHO’s global health contributions underscore the dedication of the Delta State government to prioritize the health and well-being of its people. This collaborative effort between the state and the World Health Organisation promises to bring about positive changes in healthcare accessibility and sustainability in the region.
