By Isaac Chukwurah
Stakeholders in Anambra State’s health sector convened on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Trig Premium Hotel, Nibo, for the Expanded Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) Technical Working Group Meeting aimed at reviewing health interventions and strengthening service delivery across the state.
The meeting focused on assessing ongoing interventions in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health and Nutrition (RMNCAEH+N), Malaria, Tuberculosis (TB), Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), and PMTCT. Participants also reviewed program achievements and challenges, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and developed strategies for improved healthcare outcomes.
In her opening remarks, the State AIDS and STIs Programme Coordinator (SAPC), Dr. Tonia Mbagwu, highlighted the strong data-driven commitment of the Honourable Commissioner for Health towards integrating PMTCT with other disease control programmes. She urged participants to engage actively as the state intensifies efforts to achieve epidemic control of HIV, particularly among pregnant women and their infants.
Goodwill messages were delivered by representatives of key implementing partners and stakeholders, including Dr. Elizabeth of AHNI, Madam Charity of AHF, Blessing of CHAI, representatives of NEPWHAN, and Mr. Donald of ANSACA.
Presentations during the meeting featured first-quarter 2026 performance data on RMNCAEH, Nutrition, Malaria, NCDs, and PMTCT programmes. Updates were also presented on PMTCT services in AHNI- and AHF-supported facilities across the state.
The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike Afam Ben, who attended the meeting, emphasized the need for a detailed review of identified gaps, stressing that the state maintains zero tolerance for service delivery shortcomings. He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo to drastically reduce mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
According to the Commissioner, attendance at such review meetings remains crucial as they provide a platform for data-driven decision-making. He reaffirmed the state government’s target of reducing mother-to-child HIV transmission to 0.5 percent.
As part of efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes, the Commissioner directed that Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) be identified and enlisted within one week to strengthen referrals and reduce preventable maternal and child mortality.
In her closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo, commended the efforts of the state team, implementing partners, and other critical stakeholders for their contributions towards improving health outcomes in the state. She, however, called for more robust participation from all concerned stakeholders, particularly in terms of attendance and quality representation at technical review meetings, stressing that stronger collaboration remains essential for achieving the state’s health goals.
The meeting attracted a broad range of stakeholders, including the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Obidike Afam Ben; the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Health, Dr. Uchebo; the Head of Administration, Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ifeanaeme Frank; NASCP South-East Zonal Technical Officer, Rosemary Akpati; development partners, implementing agencies, and other health sector stakeholders.
