In a decisive move to improve healthcare access, the Edo State Deputy Governor, Hon. Dennis Idahosa, has issued a firm directive for the strengthening of all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) located in the state's rural communities.
Directive Issued at Final Quarterly Taskforce Meeting
Idahosa, who also serves as the Chairman of the state's Primary Health Care Taskforce, gave this mandate while presiding over the body's 4th quarterly meeting for the year 2025 in Benin City on Friday. He stressed that the initiative is a core part of efforts to make essential health services both robust and readily available to residents in remote areas. The deputy governor specifically challenged the chairmen of the state's local government areas to play a pivotal role in expanding this critical access.
Major 2026 Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign Unveiled
A significant highlight of the meeting was the detailed plan for a statewide Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine campaign scheduled for 2026. Idahosa emphasised that a collective effort is required for its success. The campaign is designed to cover every eligible child in Edo State, specifically those from nine months to 14 years old, irrespective of their prior vaccination history.
"Our collective goal is to reach every eligible child in Edo State with the MR vaccine. No child should be left behind," Idahosa declared. He explained that the primary objective of this mass immunization exercise is to significantly boost herd immunity against these preventable diseases across the state.
Reviewing Progress and Planning Ahead
The deputy governor noted that the fourth meeting, being the last for the year, provided a crucial opportunity to assess the taskforce's annual performance and to fine-tune strategies for the coming year. He reaffirmed that health remains a fundamental pillar of the SHINE agenda under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo.
"Under his guidance, we have sustained momentum in strengthening our primary health care system and expanding access to essential services across the state," he stated.
Idahosa expressed satisfaction with the progress made in healthcare delivery over the past year, crediting the collaborative efforts of the taskforce and development partners. He also acknowledged the vital strategic leadership provided by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in aligning Edo's health interventions with national priorities.
Hands-On Approach for 2026
Looking forward, the deputy governor announced that the first quarter of 2026 will be action-packed. The taskforce plans to embark on strategic activities and direct interface with health workers across all 192 PHCs in the state's 18 Local Government Areas.
"We don’t just want to sit here in Benin and expect things to be going well in other parts of the state. We want to have inspections and interface with some of the health workers and inspect some of the facilities where our people are getting treatment in our rural areas," Idahosa stated, underscoring a commitment to on-ground supervision.
The meeting saw strategic contributions from other key stakeholders, including the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole.
