Anambra Government Commends UNICEF for Renovation, Equipping 9 Health Centers in Flood-Affected Communities

By Praise Chinecherem 

The Anambra State government has commended the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) for its various interventions projects targeted at supporting flood-affected communities in the post-flood recovery efforts.

Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), Pharm. Chisom Uchem was particularly grateful to UNICEF for the renovation of nine selected Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in flood-ravaged areas of the State, as well as donation of medical equipment.

The PHCs’ renovation for post-flood response was facilitated by UNICEF through funding from the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).

The renovated PHCs in five LGAs were Umunankwo PHC, Akiliozizor PHC, and Ogbakuba PHC all in Ogbaru LGA, Oba PHC in Idemili South LGA, Ugbenu PHC and Ebenebe PHC in Awka North LGA; as well as Eziaguluotu PHC in Anambra East LGA, Umueze-Anam PHC, and Iyiora Abegbu PHC in Anambra West LGA.

Some of the medical/hospital equipment donated include; Stand, infusion, double hook-on castors, hospital standard bed with mattress, labour/delivery bed with access, hospital bedscreen on castors, emergency trolley, drawers, among others.

Speaking during a supervisory visit to the benefiting PHCs in Anambra West and Awka North Local Government Areas (LGAs) respectively, Uchem said the visit was to monitor status of the renovation of the PHCs as well as facilitate delivery of medical equipment to the facilities.

She said, “The ongoing PHC renovation and delivery of hospital equipment will strengthen the morale of community members on their commitment toward matters relating to their health.

“This will however extend to using the existing community structures in building up resilience to mitigate the impact of emergencies on their health systems.”  

Health Specialist, UNICEF Enugu Field Office, Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo lauded government’s efforts and support of their activities through provision of enabling environment for the interventions to thrive.

“State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and ASPHCDA have been key towards facilitating availability of relevant State Programme Managers in providing technical support to fast-track interventions, programme planning, implementation and monitoring.

“The support of the government has also been critical in convening community stakeholders at various stages of community engagement and participation,” she said.

On his part, Contractor in charge of renovation at Comprehensive PHC Umueze-Anam, Anambra West, Engr. Emmanuel Okoye disclosed that the centre was among those affected by the 2022 flooding.

He appreciated UNICEF, SIDA and CERF for their donations and grants given to communities and the state towards ensuring well-being of the people.

He said, “We are making appreciative progress and hopefully, in the next week we should be able to deliver the job which was given to us by UNICEF and the State health sector.

“These communities have felt the impact of UNICEF interventions which are geared towards making healthcare facilities especially those in flood-ravaged communities come alive and it is commendable.”