The Abia State Government has approved a partnership with the QANTUS Medical Foundation, a United States-based medical organisation, to train healthcare workers across the state as part of ongoing reforms and efforts to strengthen capacity in the health sector. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known on Monday at Government House in Umuahia while briefing journalists on decisions reached at this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti. He explained that the collaboration between the State Ministry of Health and the US healthcare consultancy firm is intended to institutionalise global best practices in service delivery.
According to Prince Kanu, the governor approved the initiative to drive meaningful transformation in the healthcare system by equipping health workers with the skills and standards required for improved service delivery. He further announced that the Ministry of Health is preparing to operationalise 53 fully equipped Primary Healthcare Centres under “Project Ekwueme,” a step aimed at boosting primary healthcare services statewide.
In addition, he disclosed that the Abia State Q2 Health Pilot Project has begun in selected hospitals and primary healthcare centres, noting that the programme is designed to enhance healthcare outcomes. He also revealed that the Paediatric Association of Nigeria has chosen Abia State to host its 2027 Annual General Meeting, describing the decision as recognition of the administration’s healthcare reforms.
On immunisation efforts, the commissioner stated that the Measles and Rubella vaccination campaign, which commenced on February 3, 2026, has been successfully completed. The state recorded a 96 per cent coverage rate, exceeding the 95 per cent target. He noted that the campaign was conducted across schools and other social institutions, with more than 8,000 teams participating. Collation of final figures from across the state is still ongoing.
Prince Kanu also announced that Governor Otti will on Wednesday inaugurate the Ovom Street Road project in Aba and perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the Enyimba International Hotel. He described the road project as a landmark achievement, explaining that the site had previously been reclaimed from erosion before construction commenced. Both projects, he said, mark significant progress in Aba’s urban renewal and infrastructure development as a key commercial hub of the state.
He added that on Thursday, the governor will flag off the construction of the Ukwa East General Hospital at Ohanku to further expand access to healthcare services. Responding to questions, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Enoch Ogbonnaya Uche, said the partnership with the QANTUS Medical Foundation aligns with the governor’s vision of embedding international best practices within the state’s health system. He explained that the foundation’s experts specialise in strengthening healthcare systems by training doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other professionals to adopt improved practices and service standards.
Professor Uche stated that the training would be implemented in phases, beginning with doctors and nurses before extending to healthcare workers at the local government level, following a top-down approach. He also encouraged parents and guardians to ensure their children receive vaccinations, assuring the public that vaccines used in the state are safe and stored according to established safety guidelines. Also present at the briefing were the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, and the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ctz. Ukoha Njoku Ukoha.
