ASABA/Nigeria: In a bid to overhaul the healthcare landscape and fortify the M.O.R.E. Agenda, the Delta State Government, in partnership with key stakeholders, has orchestrated a pivotal health summit. This gathering aims to delineate commitments geared towards advancing the health and well-being of Deltans.
Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, the Delta State Commissioner for Health, articulated the significance of this summit during its official inauguration in Asaba. “This gathering is a convergence of crucial stakeholders within the state’s health domain, to evaluate our current standing and strategically chart a trajectory toward the envisioned healthcare goals,” affirmed the Commissioner.
With over 70 stakeholders encompassing government officials, private sector representatives, civil society advocates, experts, policymakers, health system authorities, technical leads, implementing partners, professional bodies, community leaders, religious figures, and multilateral organization representatives, the summit boasts a comprehensive and diverse assembly.
Dr. Manuela Uribe, a Senior Health Specialist from the World Bank, emphasized the summit’s opportunity for introspection. She expressed the need to appraise the strengths and weaknesses within Delta State’s health sector to devise a roadmap for transitioning from a negative trajectory to a positive trajectory.
Hon. Joseph Otirhue, Chairman of the Local Government Service Commission in Delta State, conveyed the Commission’s unwavering commitment. Represented by Director of Personnel, Mr. John Akwakwa, he pledged support for constructive dialogues that propel health system enhancements across the state’s Council Areas.
Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, delivered a keynote presentation centered on financing the state’s health system, illuminating critical fiscal aspects pivotal for its advancement.
Dr. Ashwin Budden, representing the World Bank and leading the summit, elucidated the essence of their involvement. He underscored the Delta State Government’s impetus for seeking the Bank’s collaboration to leverage opportunities for enhancing the health sector. “Our objective is to assess the system’s performance comprehensively—identifying weaknesses and strengths—to foster a collective vision for the state’s healthcare future,” clarified Dr. Budden.
Scheduled across three days, the summit agenda encompasses plenary sessions, presentations by nine Working Group Leads, interactive breakout sessions, and the formulation of operational plans and consensus agreements. This holistic approach underscores the summit’s ambition to revitalize and recalibrate Delta State’s healthcare sphere, aligning it with the overarching goals of the M.O.R.E. Agenda.
