Edo Sparks A Revolution In Universal Healthcare

In order to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and enhance the health of its citizens, the Edo State Government says it is still dedicated to bolstering primary healthcare.

At the opening of the Edo SHINE Primary Health Care Summit 2026 in Benin City, Governor Monday Okpebholo stated that his administration would keep promoting a people-centered healthcare system that ensures every Edo resident, regardless of location, has access to high-quality healthcare services.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems to Accelerate Progress Towards Universal Health Coverage and Improved Health Outcomes,” the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, represented the governor, described primary healthcare as the foundation of an effective health system.

In order to create a sustainable healthcare system, he said, the state government is investing in cutting-edge health infrastructure, growing the healthcare workforce, bolstering disease surveillance, implementing digital health solutions, enhancing care quality, encouraging data-driven decision-making, and strengthening partnerships with communities and development partners under the Edo SHINE Agenda.

In order to ensure that no community is left behind, Dr. Oshiomhole emphasized the need to address workforce shortages, strengthen healthcare financing, improve infrastructure, and promote greater community participation while acknowledging the progress already made.

Earlier, Dr. Coulson Osoikhai, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, stated that the organization had taken intentional action to improve the state’s healthcare system, especially for women and children, in cooperation with its partners.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Odiase Ehiabhi, said the board was working closely with relevant stakeholders to implement Governor Okpebholo’s SHINE Agenda through improved primary healthcare delivery across the state.

The World Bank Task Team Lead for the IMPACT Project, Dr. Onoriode Ezire, and the National Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr. Amina Abdul-One, represented by the Deputy Project Manager, Dr. Zarah Haruna, commended the Edo State Government for its sustained investment in the health sector.

He pointed out that it provides vital services like prenatal care, regular immunizations, disease prevention, and the early detection of disease outbreaks, making it the first point of contact for the majority of citizens.

They claimed that through strategic investments and reforms, the administration had elevated Edo to the top of Nigeria’s healthcare delivery rankings.

Additionally, they reiterated the World Bank’s and other development partners’ commitment to continue working with the Edo State Government to improve health outcomes and strengthen primary healthcare services.

Healthcare professionals, legislators, development partners, academics, and other stakeholders from both inside and outside of Edo State attended the summit.

It offered a forum for evaluating developments, exchanging concepts, and creating workable plans to improve primary healthcare and hasten the state’s achievement of universal health coverage.