By Nwogha Ndubuisi Andy, Abakaliki

As government prepare for its transition of power in Ebonyi state, Health Financing Expert, Ms Chidinma Eneze has urged the incoming administration to improve in the funding of health sector for the interest of the citizens.

Ms Eneze made the call in Abakaliki during a 2-day media engagement on increased Media coverage on RMNCH+NM information, stories and issues on Thursday 30th, March,2023.

The Acting State Technical Director for the USAID, Integrated Health Policy (IHP) program in Ebonyi State noted that the increase and consistent funding of primary health facilities would translate to increased access to services by health care service seekers.

Speaking during the engagement on complete activities of IHP-USAID in Q1 2023, Ms Eneze maintained that increased investment in the health sector would reduce the increase in maternal mortality and morbidity in the state.

She encouraged the incoming administration led by Chief Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to prioritize the sector in order to secure a more healthy society.

“If the Government is doing all they are supposed to do, we wouldn’t be here, the Government can do more, most people are still struggling to access health care, there is serious under-prioritization of health by the State Government.”

However, the Knowledge Management Specialist, USAID-IHP, Mr. Uchenna Anoke encouraged Journalists to scale up coverage of basic health care provision fund implementation and other health-related activities to unravel the level of compliance to their original intents.

Also, the Desk Officer, Ebonyi State Basic Health Care Provision Fund, Dr. Leonard Alegu who spoke on behalf of the Executive Secretary EBSPHCDA Dr Chihurumnanya Alo, identified knowledge gaps of heads of Primary Health Care Providers as a hitches in accessibility of quality health care services in the State.

In a remark, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Ebonyi State Council, Comrade Tony Nwizi represented by Dr. Boniface Nwankwo assured that Journalists would henceforth keep activities of Health Care Providers in the Primary Health Care Centres in proper checks through independent and investigative journalism.

The programme was participatory as Journalists turned out in number and pledged to ensure the initiative is a success.