Anambra State has been selected as a pilot state for a new grassroots healthcare programme aimed at strengthening primary healthcare, referral services and timely access to medical care.
The programme, supported by the Mastercard Foundation, mSh Nigeria, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and other partners in collaboration with the Anambra State Government, is designed to improve the management of Community Based Health Workers (CBHWs).
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obidike, disclosed this during a three-day training on CBHW management held from August 18 to 20, 2026, at Trig Point Hotel, Amawbia.
Obidike said the programme would strengthen coordination among Local Government Health Authorities, primary healthcare centres, general hospitals and teaching hospitals. He explained that Supervisors for Health in the 21 local government areas would help coordinate community health activities and improve accountability.
He said the referral system would ensure that patients are identified early and directed to appropriate health facilities, while health workers at primary healthcare centres could consult doctors when necessary.
The Commissioner also stressed the importance of transportation, including ambulances, in reducing delays in moving patients between health facilities. He noted that delays in recognising illness, seeking care, reaching health facilities and receiving treatment could contribute to preventable deaths, particularly among pregnant women.
He announced plans for a major health education campaign to improve awareness of diseases, especially non-communicable diseases, and encourage residents to seek treatment early.
Obidike said Anambra’s selection as a pilot state would provide an opportunity to generate data on what works and use the findings to strengthen healthcare programmes across Nigeria. He thanked the development partners and urged stakeholders to work together to improve grassroots healthcare delivery.
The training was attended by the Executive Secretary of the Anambra State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Chizoba Ezeasor; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Obiageli Uchebo; Local Government Health Authorities, Supervisors for Health and other healthcare officials and workers.