Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with the Akwa Ibom State Government to boost health outcomes and eliminate diseases in the state.
Speaking at a capacity training workshop for health managers in Uyo, the WHO state coordinator, Oluwabukola Alawole, represented by Dr Ayakeme Ekpoudom, said, “A strong health sector is vital to achieving universal health coverage where people have access to efficient medical and healthcare services.”
He added that WHO is ready to support the state with a comprehensive plan for health budgeting and development.
At the workshop, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr Ekem Emmanuel John, praised Governor Umo Eno for prioritising the health sector through massive investments.
Represented by Dr Patrick Eshiet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, the commissioner revealed that, “The new Ibom International Hospital, an 8-floor modern and well-equipped medical facility for tertiary level health needs, will likely kick off before the end of the year.”
He noted that several health centres have been renovated, and new ones constructed to meet the state’s growing health demands.
Dr John further emphasised that the training workshop was organised to equip health managers with problem-solving skills to develop the 2026 annual operational plan.
“We solicit the continued support of our partners to achieve the objectives of the country’s health sector renewal investment initiative through the healthcare sector-wide approach (SWAP),” he said.
The workshop brought together health managers from all 31 local governments, state-level health officials, and international partners to strategise on system thinking and operational planning for sustainable health development.
