The Anambra state government has been named the best-performing state at the second edition of the 2024 Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Award and Gala Night.
At the event at the Banquet hall of Presidential Villa in Abuja, Anambra state was awarded $700,000 as the best-performing state overall and $500,000 for being the best in south-east zonal awards category, totally $1.2 million.
Winners from other zones got $500,000 each; they include Kwara for north-central (twice in a row), Kaduna for north-west (second in a row), Rivers for south-south (twice in a row), Osun for south-west, and Yobe for the North East.
The first runner up from other zones got $400,000 each, they include, Lagos for South west, Delta for South south, Abia for South East, Jigawa for North West, Gombe for North East (also won PHC innovation award which saved the state N2.1 billion from biometric capture), the Federal Capital Territory for North Central.
All the winners were presented with a plague and cheque at a colourful ceremony that lasted almost midnight last night.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, in his remarks emphasised the government’s commitment under President Bola Tinubu’s administration to enhancing healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
Represented by Special Adviser on General Duties, Aliyu Modibbo Umar, he said the award night highlighted significant advancements in Nigeria’s healthcare sector, emphasising the power of leadership, innovation, and collaboration.
“The progress we celebrate today is a testament to what can be achieved when we come together with a common purpose to strengthen the systems that touch the lives of our most vulnerable citizens,” he stated.
Shettima commended the awardees as changemakers who have embraced leadership challenges to improve health outcomes.
“Their dedication and strategic planning remind us that progress is possible, even in the face of adversity,” he remarked.
According to him, the awards reinforced that recognition is crucial for fostering a culture of accountability and excellence.
“By celebrating these achievements, we set a standard for excellence that will resonate far beyond this evening,” he added.
The Vice President emphasised that effective primary health care is about people, ensuring access to skilled care for mothers and preventing child mortality.
He reiterated the government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to invest in sustainable healthcare systems, particularly for underserved communities.
To the award recipients, Shettima expressed heartfelt congratulations, stating, “You have set the benchmark for what is possible when vision is matched with action.”
He encouraged those not receiving awards to continue striving for excellence, reminding them that every step forward in primary health care is a victory for Nigeria.
Chairman, Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who highlighted the significance of the occasion, stated that the event marks a unique moment as it celebrate three pivotal milestones.
He emphasized the achievements of the PHC Leadership Challenge, which has catalyzed increased commitment to strengthening primary healthcare systems across Nigeria.
The NGF chairman, who was represented by the Governor of Anambra State, Charles Soludo, noted that December 12 also coincides with World Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, emphasizing this year’s theme, “Health: It’s on the Government.”
“This theme underscores the essential role of government leadership in ensuring health for all.”
Additionally, he commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, reinforcing the collective commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
AbdulRazaq noted that the Leadership Challenge is to catalyse the implementation the Seattle Declaration by providing incentives for governors to take proactive steps to achieve these commitments.
According to him, resolutions reached at that gathering, known as the Seattle Declaration, were aimed at ensuring that states remain at the forefront of driving the implementation of key reforms and innovations in PHC.
He said the 2024 Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge has shown significant improvement over its inaugural edition, reflecting a growing commitment among Nigerian states to enhance primary healthcare systems.
“This progress is heartwarming and demonstrates innovative approaches and bold leadership in our quest to improve health outcomes.”
He congratulated the award recipients and urged continued efforts towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
“Let us work tirelessly to transform our healthcare delivery for the benefit of all citizens.” This year’s challenge highlights the collective momentum toward strengthening healthcare across the nation.
At the 2nd Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Gala and Awards Night, Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, celebrated significant advancements in Nigeria’s primary healthcare system alongside state governors and development partners.
He commended all the governors and the FCT for their steadfastness in advancing primary healthcare without which the health outcomes the nation is currently enjoying wouldn’t have been possible.
“Notable improvements include a 16.7% decline in under-five mortality and increased public confidence in healthcare management.
However, challenges like health expenditure and immunization gaps remain”
Pate emphasised the need for continued investment and local leadership to achieve equitable healthcare for all Nigerians
Country Director of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Uche Amaonwu, praised the governors for their commitment to strengthening the primary health care system amidst fiscal challenges.
“This award is about leadership,” Amaonwu emphasized, urging governors to elevate PHC issues within governance frameworks.
A representative of UNICEF in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, while commending the Governors, stressed that event reinforces that healthcare is a right and not a privilege.
On his part, the Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Muyi Aina noted that the PHC Leadership Challenge is a partnership, jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the NPHCDA and the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) with technical support from UNICEF, and financial support from Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation.
Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Aliko Dangote Foundation, Zouera Youssoufou, also gave a goodwill message.
At the inaugural Gala and Award Night last year, Borno State had emerged as the overall best-performing state. Zonal winners included: South-East: Ebonyi (1st), Abia (2nd) South-South: Rivers (1st), Edo (2nd) South-West: Ondo (1st), Ogun (2nd)
North-Central: Kwara (1st), FCT (2nd) North-East: Borno (1st), Bauchi (2nd), North-West: Jigawa (1st), Zamfara (2nd).
The night concluded with a call to all stakeholders—government, private sector, and communities—to sustain efforts in ensuring quality healthcare access for all Nigerians.
