The Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon Dennis Idahosa, has mandated the strengthening of Primary Healthcare facilities across rural areas of the state.
He gave the directive while chairing the fourth quarterly meeting of the state Primary Health Care task force in Benin on Friday.
In a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa challenged local government chairmen to expand access to essential and accessible healthcare services for rural dwellers across the state.
Idahosa noted that all hands must be on deck to ensure the successful implementation of the Measles-Rubella vaccine campaign scheduled for 2026, targeting children aged between nine months and 14 years, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
He explained that the essence of the MR vaccine campaign was to boost immunity.
“I think it will not be out of place to mandate the strengthening of Primary Healthcare facilities across the rural areas in the state.
“For the MR vaccination, our collective goal is to reach every eligible child in Edo State with the MR vaccine. No child should be left behind,” he said.
The deputy governor noted that the fourth quarterly meeting, which was the last for the year, provided an opportunity to review the performance of the task force, which he heads.
He emphasised that health remained a critical component of the SHINE agenda of the Governor Monday Okpebholo-led administration.
“Under his guidance, we have sustained momentum in strengthening our primary healthcare system and expanding access to essential services across the state,” Idahosa stated.
He expressed satisfaction that significant progress had been recorded in healthcare delivery over the past year.
“These outcomes are the result of your collective efforts and the strong collaboration we have enjoyed with our development partners,” he added.
Idahosa also acknowledged the strategic leadership and guidance provided by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, noting that it had continued to play a vital role in aligning state-level interventions with national health priorities.
He said the first quarter of 2026 would be activity-filled, as the task force would carry out strategic engagements and interface directly with health workers across the 192 PHCs in the 18 local government areas of the state.
“We do not want to sit in Benin and assume things are going well in other parts of the state. We want to conduct inspections, interface with health workers and assess facilities where our people receive treatment in rural areas,” he said.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Oshiomhole, was among key task force stakeholders who made strategic contributions at the meeting.
Since assuming office, the administration has ensured that all PHCs are operational, enabling rural dwellers to access quality healthcare services.
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