Ondo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka
The World Bank–supported IMPACT health project has recorded a significant progress in immunization, malaria prevention, and maternal and child health services in Ondo State.
Giving a breakdown of the achievements in an interview with The Hope in Akure on Tuesday, shortly after the quarter-three meeting of the project’s State Steering Committee, its Chairman and State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Ajaka, is taking giant strides in tackling life-threatening diseases in the state.
He explained that the project is designed as a five-year intervention to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, reduce preventable deaths, and expand access to essential services.
Ajaka noted that a major pillar of the IMPACT project is the aggressive reduction of malaria, particularly among children under five, stating that malaria remains the leading cause of death in this age group.
Besides, he said that the project targets a 50 percent reduction in incidence and mortality by 2030.
He explained that, according to data presented at the meeting, uptake of malaria testing and treatment has increased significantly since implementation began, noting that free rapid diagnostic test kits and free malaria medications are currently being provided for children under five and pregnant women.
The commissioner said that immunization coverage has also improved, aided by increased community outreach and the involvement of the National Support Agency (NSA).
He revealed that the IMPACT project is also carrying out large-scale upgrades of primary healthcare facilities, saying, “So far, 102 facilities are undergoing revitalisation, an achievement that is unprecedented in the state.”
The upgrades, according to him, include the renovation of existing buildings, construction of staff quarters, provision of solar power for 24-hour electricity, constant water supply, delivery of essential medical equipment, as well as the deployment of tricycle ambulances for facilities certified under the Basic Emergency Maternal and Child Health (BEMO) standards, among others.
He said that personnel recruitment, training, and capacity building are also underway to strengthen service delivery across all facilities.
Despite the infrastructure work still in progress, the chairman said measurable improvements have already been recorded, including those assessed by the World Bank itself, saying, “Greater gains are expected once full revitalisation is completed.”
Reflecting on the project so far, the chairman described the results as wonderful and highly commendable, saying, “The government is pleased to be delivering tangible benefits to citizens.
“This has never been done before. We started from the basement, and now we are climbing. Our people are getting quality impact.”
He urged committee members to work collaboratively and make the most of what he described as “catalytic funding” for the health sector.
His words, “I advise them to make very good use of this opportunity for our people to benefit maximally.”
The Hope
