Cosmas Chukwu
Seventeen cohorts and one trainee of the National Health Fellows programme have graduated after a one-year community healthcare training. They have now been deployed to strengthen healthcare delivery across Enugu State.
The National Health Fellowship is a flagship initiative of the Federal Government under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. It is implemented through the Sector-Wide Approach, SWAp, Coordination Office of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Presenting certificates to the graduates on Wednesday in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah commended President Bola Tinubu for initiating and funding the programme to improve healthcare nationwide.
Represented by the Commissioner for Labour and Employment, Dr. Felix Nnamani, the governor said the President had demonstrated practical commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians, especially those in rural communities.
He also thanked the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for driving the training and called for stronger collaboration on manpower development and provision of health infrastructure.
“This event shows the commitment of both the Federal and Enugu State Governments to close gaps in healthcare delivery, especially in changing the attitude of health workers to ensure better outcomes for residents,” Mbah said.
“As a state, we have expanded healthcare services to the ward and community levels. These fellows are needed to ensure quality care reaches our people, no matter where they live.”
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the newly trained fellows were equipped to improve resilience and service delivery in the health system.
“As a ministry, we appreciate President Tinubu and Governor Mbah for linking our health system to national priorities through these fellows who will help us monitor and raise red flags,” Prof. Ugwu stated.
He added that the 17 fellows will be posted to the state’s 260+ Primary Health Care centres across all wards to monitor staff attendance, quality of care, and availability of drugs and basic consumables.
“We also thank Mr. President and the Honourable Minister for already absorbing them into the civil service. Within available resources, we will support them to carry out their duties effectively,” he said.
Earlier, SWAp Desk Officer in the Enugu State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Ujunwa Ewoh, explained that the programme was designed to strengthen leadership, management, and accountability in the health sector.
“The programme trained one young health professional from each of the 17 LGAs in the state. They will work closely with state and local health systems to ensure timely and quality service delivery,” Ewoh said.
She noted that the fellows received intensive training in leadership, public health, health service delivery, financial management, and data management.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, and the Executive Secretary of Enugu State Universal Basic Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Edith Okolo, among others.
The highlight of the event was Governor Mbah unveiling 17 new youths, one from each LGA, for Cohort 2 of the National Health Fellowship Programme. They will begin another one-year intensive community healthcare training.
