The Enugu State Government has announced plans to upgrade secondary healthcare facilities across all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the state.
The goal is to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by strengthening emergency care services.
This was made known by the State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, during a health meeting in Enugu on Friday.
The meeting focused on the findings of a health facility assessment for Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC).
Prof. Obi said the upgrades are part of efforts to build a healthcare system capable of handling emergencies during childbirth.
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He noted that Enugu had already begun its facility assessments, which will now be combined with federal-level findings.
He said, “This is an official presentation of findings from the facility assessments conducted by the Federal Ministry of Health, the SWAP Office, and our State Ministry of Health.”
Why upgrade Enugu health facilities
The upgrades will also allow Enugu to access federal funding through the “Hope Health” programme under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP). Funds will be disbursed based on each facility’s performance and readiness.
Mrs. Francisca Ewoh, SWAP Desk Officer, said that each qualified health facility could receive up to $35,000. To qualify, centres must meet standards for infrastructure, utilities, and staff strength.
Dr. Chinyere Ezendu, who led the CEmONC assessment in Enugu, revealed that only two facilities in the state met basic standards. None had the full capacity to treat newborn complications.
She expressed hope that the findings would lead to practical steps to improve maternal and child health in the state.
Also speaking at the event, Dr. Chioma Oduenyi from Jhpiego, a partner organisation, assured continued technical support to help Enugu and other states carry out their health reforms effectively.
