By Nnedinma Okeke
Following completion of assessment exercise and verification processes of the Local Government Area’s (LGA’s) Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge programme in Anambra, the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) in collaboration with the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) and other Stakeholders has held its award and recognition ceremony.
The event was held at the Banquet Hall, Light House Awka on June 17. It was used to recognise the contributions of local government leadership toward strengthening primary healthcare systems and improving service delivery across the Anambra State.
Recall that the PHC Leadership challenge initiative is designed to promote accountability, innovation, leadership excellence, and improved service delivery across Primary Healthcare systems in the State.
Speaking at the award ceremony, Wife of Anambra Governor, Dr Nonye Soludo noted that the event was a powerful affirmation of collective commitment to building a healthcare system that is responsive, accountable, innovative, and people centered. She commended the SMOH, ASPHCDA, Partners and Stakeholders, for the LGA PHC challenge which recognizes excellence in leadership and service delivery at the grassroots level.
The first lady noted that appreciating great and outstanding performance, inspires greater dedication and reinforcement value that drives sustainable development in the health sector. “As we honor the award recipients let us remember that excellence is not a destination but a continuous journey. The recognition serves as an appreciation of past achievement and encouragement to strive for even greater impact,” she added.
The Commissioner, SMOH, Dr Afam Obidike explained that the investment Anambra Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has made in the Primary Healthcare (PHC) system made Anambra State record wins in the National level PHC Leadership Challenge award for two consecutive years of 2024 and 2025. He, also, appreciated contributions of the First Lady whose passion for healthy living, maternal and child health, nutrition and community development has helped in development of healthcare systems in Anambra State.
He emphasized that the LGA PHC challenge was established to strengthen leadership and accountability at the grassroots level while encouraging Local Government authorities to take greater ownership of Health outcomes within their communities. “The programme recognise that strong PHC systems are built not only through policies, but also through committed leadership innovation and community engagement.
Dr Obidike appreciated Development partners, LGA authorities, healthcare workers, community leaders and all Stakeholders whose support, partnership, technical assistance and unwavering commitment have contributed significantly to the progress witnessed in Anambra State Healthcare system.
The award and recognition ceremony featured remarks from Partners such as WHO and UNICEF. It had awards and monetary gifts presented to the best, first and second runner ups LGA Mayors, PHC Directors, State/LGA Programme Officers, Officers-In-Charge of PHCs and Communities for their participation and efforts in PHC service delivery in Anambra.
It had in attendance, Honourable members of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Government Officials/Dignitaries, Permanent Secretary, Traditional Rulers, 21 Local Government Areas (LGAs) Chairmen, 21 Directors of Primary Healthcare (DPHCs), President Generals (PGs), Medical Doctors, all Programme Officers from the State and 21 LGAs, Nursing Students, Healthcare workers, Partners, SMOH and ASPHCDA teams, others.
Nnedinma Okeke is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reorientation, Anambra State
