02/02/2025
The Acting Commissioner for Health, Ebonyi State, Dr. Sabinus Odinakachukwu Nwibo, has revitalized the State Ministry of Health through the investments of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru in the health sector
Dr. Nwibo has been tirelessly overseeing both staff and resources across all general hospitals to ensure that employees are present and materials are utilized for their intended purposes. His efforts extend to primary healthcare centers, the provision and proper storage of vaccines, and overall healthcare service delivery.
Additionally, he provides regular updates on the ministry’s weekly activities, keeping the public informed about ongoing developments and progress.
Below is the ministry's activity for last week.
EBONYI STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH WEEKLY ACTIVITY REPORT
(27th – 31st January, 2025).
Prepared: Aloh Ngozi
1. Acknowledgment of Solar Equipment Received for State Cold Chain Unit from Ebonyi State Government.
Date: January 29, 2025
Following an advocacy meeting with UNICEF and the State Team, where they visited His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, and presented a line listing of the needed equipment and its importance, the Ebonyi State Government provided the following items to strengthen the State Cold Chain Unit:
1. 150 pieces of Solar Panels
2. 15 pieces of Solar Batteries
3. 8 pieces of Solar Chargers
On the same day, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) also supplied:
1. 4 units of TFW40SDD with 4 units of Solar Panels
Significance of the Supply:
• Uninterrupted Vaccine Storage: The solar-powered system will provide a reliable energy source, ensuring vaccines remain within the required temperature range.
• Improved Immunization Coverage: With a more stable cold chain system, vaccines can be preserved effectively, supporting expanded immunization efforts.
• Protection Against Losses: The provision helps prevent vaccine spoilage due to inconsistent electricity supply, safeguarding public health investments.
• Sustainable Energy Solution: Solar power reduces dependence on the national grid and enhances the resilience of the healthcare system.
Conclusion:
This intervention marks a significant step toward improving healthcare infrastructure in Ebonyi State. The collaboration between the State Government and NPHCDA demonstrates a commitment to strengthening immunization programs and ensuring vaccine potency for effective disease prevention.
The Acting Commissioner for Health expressed deep appreciation to the Ebonyi State Government and NPHCDA for their continuous support in strengthening immunization efforts and improving healthcare delivery in the state.
2. Health Promotion:
Report on Follow-up Measles-Rubella Vaccination Advocacy to the Acting Commissioner for Health on High-Level/Wider Sensitization for Demand Creation.
Date: January 27, 2025
Presented by: National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) /
Dr. Nneka Onwa, Consultant and World Health Organization (WHO) representative Dr Danladi
Organized by: State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA)
The advocacy meeting aimed to enhance government support for the upcoming Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign through high-level engagement and strategic communication. Dr. Nneka Onwa, representing NPHCDA, emphasized the urgent need for increased sensitization efforts to drive demand creation, ensuring widespread acceptance and participation in the immunization exercise.
Key Discussion Points:
• High-Level Advocacy: A strategic plan to engage Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru, for collaboration and support in amplifying sensitization efforts and mobilizing key stakeholders.
• Community Sensitization & Media Engagement: Strengthening communication strategies to counter misinformation and vaccine hesitancy.
• Collaboration & Partnerships: Strengthening ties between government agencies, development partners, and civil society organizations.
• Logistics & Manpower: Ensuring adequate resources for smooth vaccine delivery, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
• Stakeholder Mobilization: Engaging traditional and religious leaders to enhance public trust in the vaccination program.
Outcome & Next Steps:
The Acting Commissioner for Health acknowledged the importance of the initiative and expressed commitment to supporting awareness campaigns as early discussed the BERWO Coordinator, Prof. Mrs. Nkechi Echiegu, and ACSM team members, which is her excellence pet project to support resource mobilization, and policy reinforcement. It was agreed that a targeted advocacy visit would be made to Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Uzoamaka Mary-Maudline Ogbonna Nwifuru, to secure her support in mobilizing key influencers and promoting demand creation at the grassroots level.
A detailed action plan will be developed to ensure sustained advocacy and community engagement leading up to and during the campaign.
3. IMPACT / Immunization
Report on Logistics and Vaccine Stock Management Meeting
Date: Monday, January 27, 2025
Venue: Sandiego Hotels
Time: 8:30 AM
The Logistics and Vaccine Stock Management Meeting was convened to enhance vaccine security, streamline stock management, and address key challenges affecting immunization programs. Participants included LGHA LIOs, CCOs, RIO1s, and M&E officers.
Objectives:
1. Ensure Vaccine Security – Strengthening measures to safeguard vaccine storage and distribution.
2. Stock Update Sharing – Reviewing vaccine stock levels across various LGAs.
3. Synchronization with Immunization and Stock Quality – Aligning stock management with immunization targets to prevent shortages or wastage.
4. Problem-Solving – Identifying and addressing challenges affecting vaccine logistics.
The meeting, facilitated by CMI-Impact for PM-Impact, provided a platform for strategic discussions and actionable solutions to improve vaccine supply chain efficiency.
4. Brief Report on In-House Meeting Between the Acting Commissioner for Health and General Hospital Medical Directors
Date: January 29, 2025
Facilitator: Dr. Nwibo Sabinus, Acting Commissioner for Health
Participants:
• 15 General Hospital Medical Directors
• Chief Executive Director of the Board (Dr Oketa Nwali)
The in-house meeting was convened to evaluate and review the 4th quarter activities of general hospitals across the state and to proffer solutions to identified challenges affecting healthcare delivery.
Key Discussion Points:
1. Review of 4th Quarter Activities:
• Assessment of hospital performance, service delivery, and patient care outcomes.
2. Challenges Identified:
• Shortage of essential drugs
• need for capacity building of newly recruited staff
3. Proposed Solutions:
• Strengthening hospital supply chains to ensure the availability of essential drugs.
• training of healthcare personnel to bridge human resource gaps.
• Infrastructure improvements through collaboration with relevant agencies.
Outcome & Next Steps;
The Acting Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nwibo Sabinus, commended the Medical Directors for their dedication and emphasized the need for teamwork in addressing these challenges. He assured them of the government’s commitment to improving the healthcare system.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to follow up on the proposed solutions and ensure effective implementation in the next quarter.
5. Summary Report on Q4 2024 ISS Planning Meeting
Date: January 29, 2025
Venue: IMPACT Conference Hall
Time: 10:00 AM
The Q4 2024 Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) Planning Meeting was held to strategize and coordinate field activities for improved healthcare service delivery. The meeting brought together State Team Members and 13 LGA M&E Officers to review key ISS objectives and develop an action plan.
Key Outcomes:
• Discussion on ISS priorities for Q4 2024.
• Planning for targeted supervision of selected healthcare facilities.
• Strengthening data collection and reporting mechanisms for improved service delivery.
• Agreement for a 2-day field activity where teams will conduct ISS visits to selected facilities across the state.
The Acting Commissioner for Health was in attendance and encouraged participants to take the ISS exercise seriously, emphasizing the importance of reporting findings for informed decision-making and improved healthcare interventions.
The meeting reinforced the commitment to quality healthcare services and the need for continuous monitoring and evaluation to enhance system efficiency.
6. Brief Report on Advocacy Visit to the Executive Secretary of EBSHIA and Ongoing Lassa Fever Sensitization in Schools, Communities, and Churches
Date: 30/01/2025
Organized by: Epidemiology unit/ Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA).
Facilitator: Dr Nwabeke, State Epidemiologist
Supported by: NCDC, WHO, MSF
Locations: Abakaliki and Ezza North LGA
As part of efforts to curb the spread of Lassa fever, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), with support from NCDC, WHO, and MSF, conducted an advocacy visit to the Executive Secretary Dr Divine of Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA). The visit aimed to strengthen collaboration in preventing and responding to Lassa fever outbreaks, ensuring access to healthcare services for affected individuals.
Key Discussion Points:
• The importance of integrating Lassa fever prevention into routine health education and insurance services.
• Strengthening health financing mechanisms to support prompt treatment of Lassa fever cases.
• The need for continuous awareness campaigns at the grassroots level.
Sensitization Activities:
Following the advocacy visit, the team continued school, community, and church sensitization in Abakaliki and Ezza North LGA to educate residents on:
• Causes and Transmission – Contact with rodent urine, droppings, or contaminated food.
• Prevention Measures – Maintaining clean environments, storing food properly, and avoiding bush burning.
• Early Symptoms and Reporting – Encouraging prompt medical attention for suspected cases.
• Safe Burial Practices – To prevent further spread in affected communities.
Outcome & Next Steps:
The Executive Secretary of EBSHIA pledged support for integrating Lassa fever prevention into health programs. The sensitization activities will continue, ensuring widespread awareness and community involvement in preventive measures to reduce the risk of Lassa fever outbreaks.
7. ADHOC STAFF EMPLOYMENT
His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Ebonyi State has graciously approved the Engagement of Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) through IMPACT project to boost Health Care Services Delivery in Primary Health Care Centers of Ebonyi
State.
Applications are therefore invited from suitable/qualified candidates to fill the positions listed below:
1. Retired and not tired Nurses/Mid-wives can apply.
2. Nurses, Mid wives and CHO's who are not employed in any organization
3. SCHES( licenced)
Requirements: interested applicant should forward his/her application with the
following;
1. Candidates C.V/ Education qualifications
2. Must be indigene/resident in the LGA of work
3. Letter of recommendation from Administrative Secretary (AS) of the LGA All interested/qualified candidates should submit their handwritten application addressed to the Ag. Hon Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Abakaliki on or before Monday 17th February, 2025. The application should
be submitted to office of the HOD Admin & Supply, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Block 5, Centenary City Abakaliki.
Signed
Njoku Patrick Ogbodo
IMPACT Program Manager
Appreciation for Your Commitment & Encouragement for Timely Reports
I would like to express my sincere appreciation to all Program Managers who have diligently submitted their reports for the week. Your dedication and commitment to timely reporting play a crucial role in strengthening our health initiatives and ensuring effective decision-making.
I encourage those who have not yet submitted their reports to do so promptly. Timely and accurate reporting is essential for enhancing teamwork, improving service delivery, and achieving our collective goals. Let us continue working together to elevate our team’s performance to the highest levels.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication.
Signed,
Dr. Sabinus Nwibo
Acting Commissioner for Health
