By Nnedinma Okeke
The Executive Secretary, Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm Chisom Uchem has assured of a seamless exercise in the upcoming Family Planning (FP) training which is set to commence in Anambra State, second quarter of 2026.
Pharm Uchem gave the assurance during a courtesy visit from representatives of Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and supporting Partner; EngenderHealth.
The visit was aimed at soliciting support of ASPHCDA in the upcoming Family planning training which is geared towards building capacity of FP providers at the secondary and primary healthcare levels.
ASPHCDA Boss thanking the team for the high power delegation noted that ASPHCDA welcomes Partners who comes to the State and the Agency was going to ensure that they have a seamless exercise.
“The message you bring to us, has been our gospel as we encourage people to give birth to the number of children they can train and the Anambra State Government has also been very supportive in this regard.
“In Anambra the Government plans and care for children born in the State, as at September 1, 2024 any child conceived enjoys free antenatal care, down to free delivery, free postnatal care, free immunization and when the child starts schooling, it is free education from creche, to nursery, to primary and then to secondary school. All these are free of charge in Government owned Health and Educational institutions,” she added.
Pharm Uchem expressing gratitude to the team urged for a bottom-to-top approach whilst working together as every State has it peculiarities with guide to its functionality and structures.
The Director, Health Promotion- FMOH, Mr John Umakpa giving felicitations from FMOH, solicited that the State provide enabling environment which would aid for a seamless collaboration between partners. He noted that “with the Staff of Primary Healthcare, we will get FP right at the grassroots.”
Head of Family Planning, FMOH, Pharm Alex Ugochukwu, explained that importance of FP in the society cannot be over emphasized as it helps people organise and plan their lives more effectively. “Globally, FP reduces rate of maternal mortality by 30 per cent. It helps women navigate through life without disrupt and there is need for proper information/enlightenment at the grassroots,” he said.
The Project Coordinator, EngenderHealth, Mr Afolabi Ahmed during the visit urged for the release of counterpart funding from the State’s budget to enable for an effective, and adequate execution of the Family Planning programmes in the State.
The activity had in attendance; Assistant FP Coordinator, SMOH- Mrs Chioma Okedo, Representative of NPHCDA- Mrs Ngozi Emechebe and Project Support Intern- Kaneng Francis Dung.
Nnedinma is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
