Charles Nwankwo, Abakaliki
The Ebonyi State Government has set up plans to establish Drug Management Agency to improve health sector in the state in collaboration with United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to further their support through Primary Health Care Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
The State Governor Engr. David Nweze Umahi who was represented by his Deputy Dr. Kelechi Igwe made this known when he received delegates from United States Agency for International Development Health Population and Nutrition in Nigeria led by the Director, Mr. Paul McDermott in Old Government House Abakaliki.
READ ALSO: http://2023: INEC snubs Abacha, shortlists opponents as Kano PDP guber candidate
Engr. Umahi stated that the state Executive Council has sent the House of Assembly a bill seeking approval to establish Drug Management Agency in the state, pointing out that USAID is one of the biggest donor currently supporting about 10 different program in the state including; Integrated Health Programme, Global Health Supply Chain and Procurement among others.
The Governor said his administration has given priority attention to the health need of the people because health is wealth. “On assumption of office in 2015, we ensured the establishment of primary health Centres in the one hundred and seventy one wards in Ebonyi State where people could get first aid before seeking further medical attention from secondary health because health is wealth we must give priority attention in the well-being of our people.”
READ ALSO: http://2023 general elections: Journalists, bloggers equipped to fight disinformation
The Governor informed the USAID team that the state has maximally utilised the assistance so far received from them and solicited for more provision of nutrients to cushion the effect of lack of supply occasioned by the Russian – Ukraine war.
Earlier in his speech, the USAID team leader, Mr. Paul MacDermott expressed satisfaction that project their Agency brought in the state actually made tremendous impact. He assured that they would continue to partner Ebonyi state in order to improve the health and lives of the people.
Mr. Paul pledged effort to finding out challenges and progress of COVID 19 vaccination as well as to review implementation of the ongoing programme and projects in the state and discuss the way forward.