PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DELIVERY: NPHCDA SEEKS SOUTH EAST ROYAL FATHERS’ COOPERATION
REPORTER: CHRIS OBILERI
Traditional rulers in the country have been encouraged to support and actively participate in immunization activities, awareness creation and community mobilisation efforts.
The Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Faisal Shuaib, made the appeal during the agency’s First Quarterly Review Meeting with South East Traditional Rulers Committee on Primary Healthcare Delivery held in Awka, Anambra State capital.
Dr. Shuaib, who was represented by the Director, Disease Control and Immunization in the agency, Dr. Bassey-Bassey Okposen, emphasized that the influence and credibility of traditional rulers could inspire positive health-seeking behaviour and promote preventive measures in their communities.
Dr. Shuaib stressed that traditional rulers should not rest on their oars in championing the cause of primary healthcare delivery in their domains.
He also urged traditional rulers to engage with policy makers, government officials and relevant stakeholders to advocate more investment in primary healthcare.
The Country Representative, World Health Organisation (WHO) to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Mulumbou, represented by Dr. Chimuanya Igbekwu, stated that there is no case of poliomyelitis in the South East region of the country.
Dr. Mulumbou urged traditional rulers to support primary healthcare programmes to promote health so as to keep the world safe.
Contributing, the UNICEF representative, Dr l. Juliet Chinuwe, applauded traditional rulers for the key roles they play addressing health-related matters in their localities.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State represented by his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, explained that government was disposed to developing strong healthcare system in the state.
For his part, the Chairman, South East Traditional Rulers Council, Ambassador Lawrence Agubuzu, observed that the essence of the meeting was to show concern about the healthcare needs of the citizens.
EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU
