The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the IMPACT Project is sponsored by the World Bank in collaboration with the Ondo State Government to improve access to essential healthcare services statewide.
Speaking at a community engagement in Isua Akoko, Akoko South East Local Government Area on Monday, stakeholders said the project had expanded access to basic healthcare for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children.
Dr Francis Akanbiemu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said the project focused on maternal care, safe deliveries, postnatal services, immunisation, and prevention and treatment of malaria.
Represented by Dr Adeayo Omotehinse, Director of Health System Development, Akanbiemu said services including family planning and free malaria drugs were available at all primary health centres across the state.
He said the community engagement aimed to enlighten and sensitise stakeholders on the need to continue accessing and benefiting from services provided under the IMPACT Project across communities.
According to him, the engagement will also enable government to recognise outstanding beneficiaries by rewarding them with plaques and cash prizes for their commitment to utilising healthcare services effectively.
The permanent secretary added that the gesture would encourage awardees to serve as advocates of the project, promoting its benefits and encouraging wider participation within their respective communities.
He said the state government had prioritised healthcare under its Ease Agenda, urging residents to support efforts aimed at achieving accessible and quality healthcare services for all citizens.
In his remarks, Chief Josiah Adefila, the Aro of Isua Akoko, said the project had significantly reduced child mortality rates in the local government area through improved healthcare access.
Adefila added that the initiative had also contributed to poverty reduction by providing free medical services and promoting family planning practices among beneficiaries across the community.
He urged residents who were yet to benefit from the programme to take advantage of the opportunity, describing it as impactful and essential for improving overall wellbeing and quality of life.
Also speaking, Alhaji Saliu Jamiu, Chief Imam of the area, described the project as an effective intervention for tackling life threatening diseases and improving health outcomes among residents.
Jamiu called on community members to support government efforts in achieving the objectives of the project, emphasising collective responsibility in sustaining its successes across the local government area.
Appreciating the initiative, family planning awardee, Mrs Temitope Sayo, said it would improve household wellbeing by helping families aligned the number of children with their financial capacity.
Similarly, immunisation awardee, Mrs Ajiwo Stephen, said her child had received all required vaccines, urging other parents to ensure their children were consistently presented for routine immunisation services.
In her remarks, health facility awardee, Mrs Mariam Omogaji, said she consistently attended antenatal programmes during pregnancy, which contributed to her recognition and positive maternal health experience.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
