Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Abia State Government says it has saved over N2.5 billion in healthcare costs through strategic partnerships with various local and international health organisations.
Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday during a press briefing in Umuahia, citing a recent report released by the State Ministry of Health.
He said the state’s collaboration with global health bodies — “driven by Governor Alex Otti’s leadership vision” — has significantly strengthened Abia’s health sector and saved numerous lives.
“The partners include Revive Belgium, ProHealth, Olusegun Obasanjo Foundation, Living Hope Foundation, NDDC, among others,” he said.
Prince Kanu announced that the Abia State Global Medical Mission will hold from December 15 to 18. The outreach, a collaboration between the state government, the Abia State Diaspora Council and the Ministry of Health, is expected to deliver extensive medical services to residents.
He noted that 81 of the 102 Primary Health Centres (PHCs) captured in the first phase of Project Ekwueme have been functionalised, while the remaining 92 PHCs will be fully equipped and activated in the new year.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the Maternal and Childbirth (Round 2) programme will be flagged off on Tuesday, December 9. The initiative is a joint effort of the Office of the First Lady, the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Women Affairs, with the Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency anchoring its implementation.
Prince Kanu also revealed that the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) is establishing a vector surveillance laboratory at Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic, Aba, to monitor malaria prevalence across the state.
He added that the week is equally busy for the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation. According to him, a Startathon Hackathon commenced on Monday at the UNDP-built Unipod at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture.
“The upcoming summit will showcase groundbreaking innovations from SMEs, developers and entrepreneurs, especially young innovators,” he said, adding that the event will feature the official launch of the Abia Technology Startup Law, aimed at boosting digital innovation and entrepreneurship.
Similarly, the Ministry of Agriculture will launch the Abia Agricultural Dynamic Database System (Abia ADDS) during the summit. The digital platform is designed to enhance data-driven planning and support innovation across the agricultural value chain.
Responding to questions on reports of hijacking and kidnapping along the Owerrinta–Airport road, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, described the reports as unconfirmed. He assured that Governor Otti’s administration remains committed to safeguarding lives and property, especially during the festive season.
Also present at the briefing were the Commissioner for Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr David Kalu; and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mr Kingsley Anosike, among others.
