Edo Deepens Push For Universal Healthcare

 

The Edo State Government says it remains committed to strengthening primary healthcare as a key strategy for achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improving health outcomes for residents.

This was the crux of the opening of the Edo SHINE Primary Health Care Summit 2026 in Benin City, where the, where Governor Monday Okpebholo said his administration would continue to push a people-centred healthcare system that guarantees quality and accessible healthcare services for every Edo resident, regardless of location.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems to Accelerate Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage and Improved Health Outcomes,” the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, represented the governor, described primary healthcare as the foundation of an effective health system.

He noted that it serves as the first point of contact for most citizens, providing essential services such as antenatal care, routine immunisation, disease prevention and the early detection of disease outbreaks.

He said that under the Edo SHINE Agenda, the state government is investing in modern health infrastructure, expanding the healthcare workforce, strengthening disease surveillance, deploying digital health solutions, improving quality of care, promoting data-driven decision-making and deepening collaboration with development partners and communities to build a sustainable healthcare system.

While acknowledging the progress already made, Dr. Oshiomhole stressed the need to address workforce shortages, strengthen healthcare financing, improve infrastructure and encourage greater community participation to ensure that no community is left behind.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Coulson Osoikhai, said the agency, in collaboration with its partners, had taken deliberate steps to strengthen the state’s healthcare system, particularly for women and children.

He urged stakeholders to work collectively towards ensuring that every resident of Edo State has access to quality healthcare services.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Odiase Ehiabhi, said the board was working closely with relevant stakeholders to implement Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda through improved primary healthcare delivery across the state.

The World Bank Task Team Lead for the IMPACT Project, Dr. Onoriode Ezire, and the National Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr. Amina Abdul-One, represented by the Deputy Project Manager, Dr. Zarah Haruna, commended the Edo State Government for its sustained investment in the health sector.

They said the administration had positioned Edo among Nigeria’s leading states in healthcare delivery through strategic reforms and investments.

They also reaffirmed the commitment of the World Bank and other development partners to sustaining their collaboration with the Edo State Government in strengthening primary healthcare services and improving health outcomes.

The summit attracted healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, academics and other stakeholders from within and outside Edo State.

It provided a platform to review progress, exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for strengthening primary healthcare and accelerating the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in the state.

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