Enugu Govt. tasks media practitioners on deepening free, inclusive healthcare programmes
The Enugu State Government has tasked media practitioners on deepening free and inclusive health programmes especially free malaria testing and treatment as well as subsidised health insurance scheme in the state.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, gave the task on Wednesday during a Malaria Elimination Programme, Advocacy Communication and Social Mobilisation (ACSM) Quarterly Media Chat in Enugu.
Represented by the Health Secretary of Enugu East Local Government Area, Dr Ifeyinwa Ugwunweze, the commissioner said that malaria testing and treatment as well as the subsidised annual N12,000 health insurance scheme currently runs in all government health facilities.
According to him, these facilities included all Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), general hospitals and teaching hospitals owned by the state government and selected private hospitals.
He said, “As a state, we are grateful for the wonderful work the media is doing in constantly projecting health initiatives, programmes and projects.
“However, there is an urgency to do more especially targeting well-tailored message to rural areas to take advantage of health programmes, initiatives and interventions.
“Our free malaria testing and treatment as well as the subsidised health insurance scheme is important to our health-loving governor, His Excellency Dr Peter Mbah, as flagship programmes he initiated to reduce socioeconomic burden of health on individuals and families.”
Earlier, Programme Manager of State Malaria Elimination Programme, Dr Ifeoma Otiji, commended the malaria elimination partners – Islamic Development Bank and Johns Hopkins University Affiliate (Jhipiego) – for supporting the state’s renewed commitment to eliminate malaria 100 per cent.
Otiji appreciated the media for ensuring that the campaign on free malaria testing and treatment in health facilities is becoming a household message and issue.
“With the strong media support we are getting, Enugu State Malaria Elimination Programme is visible and actions on the programme are being felt by individuals, families, neighborhoods and communities as our people are taking advantage of the initiative/programme.
“We currently have active free malaria testing and treatment in 527 health facilities across the states especially in rural and remote areas.
“Reduced malaria prevalence from 24 per cent to 9.9 per cent some months ago and we are still working hard to ensure it goes below five per cent and not long ensure total elimination, which is our ultimate target,” she said.
Speaking, a media expert, Mr Gregory Odiakosa, urged the media to sustain all communication support to promoting healthcare and well-being of Nigerians especially the residents of Enugu State as part of their contribution to humanity.
Odiakosa, who is Manager of Lion Paws Media Ltd, also urged the government and health partners to support the media financial to meet their social obligations in terms health communication, promotion and education.
Highlights of the event featured a brief overview of malaria elimination programme in Enugu State and a lecture on “Power of Media in Public Relations”, delivered by the Special Assistance to the Governor on Research and Publication, Mr Josh Ejeh.