World Bank Partners Edo To Revitalise 61 PHCs, Expands Healthcare Access
By Patrick Ochoga, Benin City
The World Bank, in partnership with the Edo State Government, has revitalised 61 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state and expanded access to quality healthcare services under the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, who made this disclosure, noted that the intervention is driving a major transformation in primary healthcare delivery across Edo State, with significant gains in infrastructure, service coverage and healthcare access for women, children and underserved communities.
Oshiomhole said the project, implemented under the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo, is strengthening the state’s primary healthcare system through upgraded facilities, expanded immunisation services and improved maternal and child healthcare delivery.
He explained that the 61 revitalised PHCs are distributed across the three senatorial districts of Edo State and have been equipped with essential medical equipment and upgraded infrastructure to improve service delivery and working conditions for health workers.
“Through the IMPACT Project, Edo State is witnessing a clear transformation in primary healthcare delivery. Sixty-one health facilities have been revitalised, maternal health services have improved and immunisation outreach has expanded significantly.
“We are gradually closing long-standing gaps in access to healthcare services. We are grateful to Governor Monday Okpebholo for his commitment to ensuring that the project continues to thrive in Edo State, while also appreciating the World Bank for its invaluable support,” he said.
Oshiomhole added that 146 healthcare facilities across the state are also benefiting from complementary interventions under the programme, including the supply of essential drugs, medical commodities, immunisation outreach services and minor facility upgrades.
According to him, the intervention has reduced stock-outs of essential medicines and improved the consistent availability of healthcare supplies across supported facilities.
“Our focus remains on ensuring that every Edo resident, regardless of location, has access to safe, affordable and reliable healthcare services,” he added.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, said the project has strengthened the operational capacity of the state’s primary healthcare system.
He disclosed that over 200 laptops and tablets have been procured under the initiative, while monitoring and evaluation officers have been trained to improve data management and reporting systems.
Osoikhia said malaria testing and treatment are now provided free of charge in all 146 IMPACT-supported facilities, adding that healthcare workers have received extensive training to improve service delivery.
He also noted that the deployment of 192 Skilled Birth Attendants (SBAs) has significantly improved maternal and newborn health outcomes, with facility-based deliveries increasing by more than 100 per cent since the project became fully operational in 2024.
On his part, the Project Manager, Dr. Osayomore Idemudia, said implementation of the programme remains community-driven and focused on measurable results.
He explained that the 61 revitalised PHCs include 21 in Edo South, 20 in Edo Central and 20 in Edo North Senatorial Districts.
“The implementation of the IMPACT Project has focused on achieving results at the community level. Beyond infrastructure and equipment, our priority is accountability, improved health outcomes and sustaining the gains achieved under the programme,” Idemudia stated.
The World Bank-supported initiative is expected to further strengthen healthcare delivery systems in Edo State, improve disease prevention and support the government’s drive toward achieving universal health coverage.