Ayade Is Best South South Governor On Health, Says World Bank, FG

EMMANUEL ULAYI

Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River state has been adjudged one of the 6 best performing governors in Health in Nigeria by the World Bank and the Federal Government.

The award is based on the emergence of Cross River State as the most improved state in health in the South South geo-political zone. One state per geopolitical zone was chosen for the award.

Recall that just last Thursday, the Governor bagged Business Newspaper award as the Best performing Governor in Agriculture.

The award on health will be presented to the Governor at the 3rd Thisday policy dialogue holding on Friday at the Yar’Adua Conference Centre in Abuja.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is expected to personally present the honours to the best performing states, a statement signed by Dr. Okara Dogara stated.

The main thrust of the event, according to the statement, is to draw attention to increased function of healthcare in the states towards achieving universal health coverage on a state by state basis.

Under the Ayade-led administration, Cross River has attained several milestones in the health sector, including the significant reduction in maternal mortality.

It also has the highest child survival rate in Nigeria just as it is the first  state to have its local government areas declared open defecation free in West Africa.

The state, which has built and completed the Calabar Pharmaceutical Company and is building three ultra-modern referral hospitals, one in each senatorial district, is on the verge of achieving HIV goal 90 90 90 with Calabar municipality being the first local government in Nigeria to achieve this.

The launch of the Universal Health Insurance Scheme known as Ayadecare, to ensure universal health coverage in the state irrespective of economic status, is yet another milestone.

The Ayade-led administration has secured accreditation for the states six schools of nursing and midwifery after almost a decade of non-functionality.

It also provides free healthcare for pregnant women, children,  refugees and IDPs in addition to the building and/ or equipping of over 50 Primary and Secondary Health Facilities in the state.

The government is also making available, the Ayadecare mobile Hospitals, one in each senatorial district to cater to hard to reach areas.