BY KEN ABU
The Edo State Government has earned commendation from the Network of Persons With HIV and AIDS in Nigeria (NEPWHAN) for upgrading primary health care (PHC) centres across the state, a move seen as crucial in enhancing grassroots healthcare delivery.
State Coordinator of NEPWHAN, Mr Friday Osayande, gave the commendation during a media roundtable assessing the achievements and challenges of the COVID-19 Response Mechanism Grant Project in Edo communities.
Osayande highlighted that the administration’s focus on PHC facilities and efforts to tackle gender-based violence (GBV) have raised awareness and increased access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.
He revealed that Edo State recorded 30 GBV cases under the Global Fund project in the second quarter of 2025, with 18 cases successfully referred by stakeholders including the Ministry of Justice and the National Human Rights Commission, who are actively working to reduce GBV prevalence.
Osayande praised the government for ensuring effective healthcare through PHC upgrades and the provision of free malaria treatment in all state health facilities. He called for increased funding to address persisting healthcare challenges.
He noted that collaboration with host communities and Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) had boosted service delivery and protected PHC infrastructure against vandalism.
He cited Iru and Igbanke communities in Orhionmwon LGA, where town unions and alumni associations equipped PHCs with boreholes, perimeter fencing, solar panels, and security personnel.
In Iguadolor, Ovia North-East Local Government Area, community members volunteered to repaint the health centre and clear its surroundings to improve patient access.
State Programme Officer, Mr Yunus Hassan added that the project, implemented with the Primary Health Care Development Agency, was designed to mitigate the impacts of AIDS, tuberculosis, malaria, and GBV, ultimately improving lives in Edo communities.
