ABIA GOVT PARTNERS U.S. MEDICAL FOUNDATION TO TRAIN HEALTH WORKERS, SET TO COMMISSION OVOM ROAD IN ABA

The Abia State Government (ABSG) has approved a strategic partnership with QANTUS Medical Foundation, a United States-based medical group, to train health workers across the state as part of efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday at Government House, Umuahia, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.

According to him, the collaboration between the State Ministry of Health and the U.S.-based healthcare consultancy firm is aimed at promoting best practices in healthcare service delivery and driving meaningful reforms in the sector.

“His Excellency, the Governor, has approved the collaboration between the State Ministry of Health and the U.S.-based healthcare consultancy outfit to enhance healthcare standards in the state. This is aimed at training health workers to embrace global best practices in healthcare delivery,” Prince Kanu stated.

He further revealed that the Ministry of Health is set to operationalise 53 fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) under “Project Ekwueme,” a move expected to significantly strengthen primary healthcare services across the state.

Prince Kanu also announced that the Abia State Q2 Health Pilot Project has commenced in selected hospitals and PHCs, with the objective of improving overall healthcare delivery.

In addition, he disclosed that the Paediatric Association of Nigeria has chosen Abia State to host its next Annual General Meeting in 2027, describing it as a recognition of Governor Otti’s reform-driven agenda in the health sector.

On immunisation efforts, the Commissioner reported that the Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign flagged off on February 3, 2026, recorded a 96 percent success rate, surpassing the 95 percent target.

“The campaign was carried out across schools and other social institutions throughout the state. Over 8,000 groups participated in the exercise, and we are currently collating the final figures,” he said.

Prince Kanu also announced that Governor Otti will on Wednesday commission the Ovom Street Road project in Aba and perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Enyimba International Hotel, also in Aba.

Describing the Ovom Road project as a major engineering achievement, he explained that the site was first reclaimed from severe erosion before the road was constructed.

“This project is a watershed achievement. The area was previously an erosion site that had to be recovered before the road was designed and constructed. It stands as one of the most remarkable engineering feats of this administration,” he noted.

He added that both the Ovom Road and Enyimba International Hotel projects represent significant milestones in the urban renewal and infrastructural transformation of Aba as the commercial hub of Abia State.

Furthermore, Governor Otti is scheduled to flag off the construction of the Ukwa East General Hospital at Ohanko on Thursday, as part of efforts to expand access to quality healthcare services across all parts of the state.

Responding to questions, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, explained that the partnership with QANTUS Medical Foundation aligns with the Governor’s commitment to global best practices in healthcare reform.

“These are experts who support health systems by training doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health workers to adopt a culture of excellence that enables them to provide the best services to the people,” Prof. Uche said.

He explained that the training programme would focus on improving communication, professional conduct, and service delivery across all levels of healthcare. The initiative will begin with doctors and nurses before being extended to other health workers at the local government level in a phased, top-down approach.

Professor Uche also urged parents and guardians to ensure their children are vaccinated, assuring the public that vaccines are safe and stored according to approved safety protocols.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha, were present at the press briefing.