In a decisive move to bridge the healthcare gap between urban and rural areas, Edo State Deputy Governor, Mr. Dennis Idahosa, has issued a directive for the comprehensive strengthening of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in the state’s remote communities. This initiative aims to guarantee accessible and quality basic healthcare for all residents, a cornerstone of the state’s SHINE agenda under Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The directive was delivered on Friday in Benin City while Idahosa chaired the fourth quarterly meeting of the Edo State Primary Health Care Taskforce, a body critical to coordinating grassroots health interventions.
Why Rural Healthcare is a Critical Priority
Deputy Governor Idahosa framed robust rural healthcare delivery as non-negotiable for improving overall public health outcomes. He challenged local government chairmen to move beyond rhetoric and “deepen access to essential services,” asserting that true governance must yield “visible grassroots impact.” This focus recognizes a fundamental truth: a strong primary healthcare system acts as the first line of defense against disease outbreaks, reduces the burden on overcrowded urban hospitals, and is essential for preventive care, maternal health, and child survival in communities far from major cities.
Mobilizing for a Statewide Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign
A major operational priority emerging from the meeting is the full-scale mobilization for the upcoming Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, slated for 2026. As chairman of the taskforce, Idahosa emphasized the need for meticulous planning.
The campaign has an ambitious target: to vaccinate every child aged nine months to 14 years across Edo State, irrespective of their previous vaccination history. “Our collective goal is to reach every eligible child in Edo State with the MR vaccine. No child should be left behind,” Idahosa stated.
This blanket approach is designed to close any immunity gaps and build strong herd immunity. Herd immunity occurs when a high percentage of a population is vaccinated, making it difficult for a disease to spread and thereby protecting those who cannot be vaccinated, such as newborns or immunocompromised individuals. The success of this public health endeavor, Idahosa noted, will hinge on seamless collaboration between state agencies, local government councils, frontline health workers, and community leaders.
From Review to Action: A Hands-On Plan for 2026
The meeting, which served as the taskforce’s final session for 2025, was used to review annual progress, refine strategies, and set the stage for intensified action. Idahosa expressed satisfaction with the health sector’s advancements over the past year, crediting teamwork and productive partnerships with development agencies and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for aligning state efforts with national priorities.
Looking ahead, Idahosa unveiled a hands-on plan for the first quarter of 2026. Leadership will shift from conference rooms to the field, with planned inspections and direct engagements with health workers across all 192 PHCs in Edo’s 18 local government areas.
“We do not want to sit in Benin and assume things are working elsewhere,” he explained. “We want to inspect facilities and engage health workers where our people actually receive care, especially in rural areas.” This commitment to on-the-ground verification is crucial for identifying real-world challenges—such as equipment shortages, staffing issues, or supply chain problems—that data reports alone might miss.
The meeting was attended by key stakeholders, including the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, signaling a unified government approach to transforming primary healthcare from policy into tangible, life-saving services for every Edo resident.
