The Deputy Governor of Abia State, Chief Ikechukwu Emetu, has raised concern over persistent absenteeism among primary health workers, warning that the trend is undermining the state’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
He made this known during the Quarter One (Q1) 2026 Task Force meeting on Primary Health Care held at Government House, Umuahia, where he stressed the need for accountability and renewed commitment within the sector.
Chief Emetu called on communities to take ownership of primary healthcare facilities in their areas by protecting them from theft and vandalism, noting that community participation is key to achieving better health outcomes.
He explained that the meeting was not only to review first-quarter activities but also to assess progress and chart a more impactful path forward. According to him, reports from the first quarter show notable improvements, urging stakeholders to sustain the momentum and aim for optimal performance.
The Deputy Governor also encouraged residents to utilize available helplines to report cases of absenteeism and negligence among health workers, emphasizing that such feedback would help strengthen service delivery.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment, he assured that efforts are ongoing to reposition the health sector through improved collaboration with relevant agencies, strategic redistribution of health workers, and incentives to reward excellence. He added that the goal is to make Abia the best-performing state in healthcare delivery in the South-East and across Nigeria.
Chief Emetu further commended the reintroduction of sex education in schools, describing it as a proactive step toward reducing teenage pregnancies and addressing related social challenges.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, said the meeting was convened to review PHC activities for 2025 and the first quarter of 2026, identify gaps, and develop strategies for improved performance.
He expressed appreciation to the state government, led by Governor Alex Otti, and development partners for their sustained support, noting that their contributions have significantly enhanced healthcare delivery in the state.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs Oguama Ogechi , described the reintroduction of sex education as a timely intervention that would help curb teenage pregnancy, child trafficking, and related social issues.
Representatives of development partners, including WHO, UNICEF, ASUBEB, and the National Orientation Agency (NOA), commended the state government’s leadership and pledged continued collaboration.
They emphasized the need for stronger community engagement in safeguarding PHCs and proposed the establishment of zonal centres to improve access to professional healthcare services.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, development partners, and top government officials and ended on a positive note with renewed commitments toward strengthening primary healthcare delivery in Abia State.
Amah Ijeoma
FIC Correspondent office of the Deputy Governor
19/03/202
