Abia Strengthens Healthcare with Foreign Medical Team, $250m Grant

The Abia State Government has announced a major boost to its healthcare system with the arrival of an international team of medical experts and the approval of a $250 million World Bank-supported health security grant.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday, at Government House Umuahia, during a briefing session with journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting.

Prince Kanu stated that the outreach will officially open at 10 a.m. at the Michael Okpara Auditorium.

He said the medical mission, in collaboration with the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), aims to deliver 1,500 consultations and 100 specialised surgeries across designated facilities in the state.

“This initiative is designed to bring world-class medical expertise closer to our people, eliminating the need for costly overseas travel,” the Commissioner said.

According to him, consultations and surgical procedures will take place at State Hospital, while eye care services will be handled at the Abia Specialist and Diagnostic Centre.

The Commissioner noted that the programme forms part of a broader strategy to strengthen healthcare delivery through international collaboration and local capacity development.

“Beyond service delivery, this mission will also facilitate knowledge transfer and mentorship for our local healthcare professionals,” he added.

Prince Kanu further revealed that the state’s health sector reforms have attracted commendation from the World Bank following a recent review of its public finance management system.

As a result, Abia has been selected as one of the beneficiary states of a $250 million World Bank-supported health security programme aimed at strengthening healthcare systems nationwide.

In a related development, the state has domesticated the Rural Emergency Services and Maternal Transport Programme in high-risk areas, including Bende and parts of Upper East Local Government.

“The objective is to reduce maternal, child and neonatal mortality by improving access to emergency care services,” the Commissioner explained.

He also confirmed that there have been no recent reports of major disease outbreaks in the state, including Lassa fever, mpox, cholera, diphtheria, yellow fever, and rabies.

The Commissioner further provided an update on the Abia State Teachers’ Recruitment Exercise (Batch 2), noting that more than 7,280 candidates scored above 40 percent in the computer-based test conducted between March 24 and April 1.

“The process remains transparent and merit-driven. Successful candidates from the oral interview stage will be notified in due course,” he assured.

Meanwhile, the government has launched an accelerated education programme designed to enable residents to complete the six-year primary school curriculum within three years. The initiative targets adults and individuals who missed out on formal education.

“This programme offers a second chance for many to obtain their First School Leaving Certificate,” he said.

Commissioner for Health, Prof Enoch Ogbonnaya also commended Gov. ALex Otti for attracting ANPA to Abia for the second time in two years, describing the development as unprecedented.

“It is rare for such international medical missions to return within a short period. This reflects the administration’s strong commitment to healthcare development,” Prof Enoch said.

He added that the visiting medical team will not only provide specialised services but also work closely with local professionals to enhance skills and improve long-term healthcare delivery.

“They are here to treat patients and also to strengthen our healthcare system through training and collaboration,” he noted.

The medical outreach is expected to take place in Aba, where upgraded facilities at the General Hospital will support advanced procedures. Residents have been urged to take advantage of the opportunity to access high-quality medical care within the state.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ukoha Njoku were present at the briefing.