— Dr. Uchenna Ewelike attributes zero maternal death record to the commitment and dedication of PHC Officers-in-Charge
The World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the Imo State Health Insurance Agency (IMSHIA) for its effective implementation of the Governor Hope Uzodimma’s health insurance programme, particularly at the primary healthcare level, describing the agency’s approach as instrumental to improving access to quality and affordable healthcare services across Imo State.
The commendation was made during the BHCPF implementating Primary Health Care Officers-in-Charge (PHC OICs) Training on Life-Saving Skills for Pregnant women, children under 5, adolescent health and elderlies held in Owerri on Tuesday, 20th January 2026.
The State Coordinator of the World Health Organization, Imo Field Office who acknowledged IMSHIA’s sustained contributions toward improving access to maternal and child healthcare in the state, disclosed that Imo State has made significant progress in maternal health outcomes nationally within the last three years, attributing this improvement to focused interventions such as the yearly training aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery.
While flagging off the training, the Imo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs. Chioma Egu, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to reducing maternal and under-five mortality through targeted and sustainable interventions implemented via the Imo State Health Insurance Agency.
She emphasized that strengthening frontline healthcare systems remains a priority of the administration.
Dr. Egu noted that the life-saving skills training is designed to further equip PHC Officers-in-Charge with essential competencies for the prevention, early detection, and management of obstetric and pediatric emergencies at the community level, ensuring timely and quality care for pregnant women and young children.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Uchenna Ewelike, the Chief Executive Officer of Imo State Health Insurance Agency attributed the state’s zero maternal death record for pregnant enrollees under the scheme during the period under review to the commitment, discipline, and everyday dedication of Primary Health Care Officers-in-Charge across Imo State.
He described these outstanding maternal health records as a true testament to the impact of the intentional capacity building training for BHCPF implementating PHC OICs on life-saving skills for pregnant women, children under 5, adolescent health and the elderly.
Dr. Ewelike added that these outcomes are sustained by the strong link between skilled healthcare delivery and functional health insurance coverage. He explained that the Imo State Health Insurance Agency has eased the financial burden on families, enabling pregnant women and children under five to access care early.
Among many other distinguished guests who spoke at the event are in no particular order include the Executive Secretary of Imo State Primary Health Department Agency, Ms Kosi Ekenjoku; the CMD, Imo State Specialist Hospital, Dr Chima Oparaji, the Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Representative of Heartland Hospital Management Corporation.
