By Lawrence Mpama
The world health governing body, World Health Organization (WHO), has assured the Mayor of Calabar and Chairman Calabar Municipality, Apostle James Anam, of their readiness to partner with his government to improve on the health facilities in his domain thereby changing the narrative of healthcare delivery services.
This was made known by the Chief Press Secretary to the chairman, Oqua Etim, when the delegation of World Health Organization came visiting.
The Leader of the Delegation, Evangelist (Dr.) Gloria Archibong, explained that the primary purpose of the visit was to ensure continuous synergy and anticipation for future collaborations, which will strengthen the Public Healthcare System in Calabar Municipality.
Dr. Archibong, who is the Surveillance Control Officer for the World Health Organization in Cross River State, said the visit was also to advocate the Municipal Council’s continued ownership of Primary Healthcare activities with W.H.O and other partners’ support.
She enumerated the various support the World Health Organization has been providing for Calabar Municipal Council Area and highlighted some of the challenges facing the primary healthcare system in Calabar Municipality.
Dr Archibong called for the provision of power supply for the Cold Store in the Council Secretariat, recruitment of health workers, funding for disease outbreak response activities, release of counterpart funds immunization activities as well as setting up of Local Government Task Force to oversee Polio and Routine Immunization performance.
The Primary Healthcare Coordinator for Calabar Municipality, Mrs. Bassey Ndehe Effiong, who also spoke, drew the Mayor’s attention to the lack of functional storage facilities at the Cold Store and lack of vehicle for operations.
Mayor of Calabar, Apostle (Rt Hon) James O. Anam, in his response expressed his determination to bring back life to the Health Sector in Calabar Municipality.
Apostle Anam, stated that he had a background in humanitarian services, pointed out that Education, Health and Social Services were the priority of his Administration.
The Council Boss noted that the challenges facing governments at all levels were enormous and assured the W.H.O delegation of his desire to put in place an enabling environment as well as necessary facilities and equipment to enable primary healthcare institutions within the Calabar Municipality function maximally.
Apostle Anam disclosed that the 65KVA Generator in the Council Secretariat has been repaired and now functional, while repair work on the vandalized power Sub-station also in the Council Secretariat was at an advanced stage.
He directed the Council Vice Chairman, Pastor Okon Nyong and the Supervisor for Health, Princess Eme Ekpenyong, to draw up a comprehensive list of requirements for the Health Sector in Calabar Municipality.
