Edo SHINE PHC Summit 2026 opens with renewed commitment to universal health coverage

The Edo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the primary healthcare system as a strategic pathway to achieving universal health coverage and improved health outcomes for residents.

The commitment was reiterated at the official opening of the EDO SHINE Primary Health Care Summit 2026 in Benin City, on Thursday, by Governor Monday Okpebholo, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole.

Declaring the summit open, the Governor affirmed the present administration’s commitment to building a resilient, people-centred healthcare system that delivers quality and accessible healthcare services to every Edo citizen, irrespective of location.

Speaking on the summit’s theme, “Strengthening Primary Health Care Systems to Accelerate Progress towards Universal Health Coverage and Improved Health Outcomes,” the commissioner described primary healthcare as the foundation of an effective health system, noting that it remains the first point of contact for most citizens through services such as antenatal care, routine immunisation, disease prevention and early detection of disease outbreaks.

He said, under the EDO SHINE Agenda, the state is investing in modern health infrastructure, expanding the healthcare workforce, strengthening disease surveillance, deploying digital health solutions, improving the quality of care, promoting data-driven decision-making and deepening collaboration with development partners and communities to build an efficient and sustainable healthcare system.

Governor Okpebholo acknowledged that while significant progress had been made, there was still the need to address workforce shortages, improve sustainable healthcare financing, strengthen infrastructure and encourage greater community participation in order to ensure that no community is left behind.

Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Coulson Osoikhai, noted that the agency, in collaboration with its partners, had taken deliberate steps to strengthen the healthcare system, particularly for women and children.

He appealed to stakeholders to work collectively towards securing a future where every resident of Edo State has access to quality healthcare services.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Odiase Ehiabhi, said the board is working closely with relevant stakeholders to actualise the SHINE Agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo through improved primary healthcare delivery across the state.

The World Bank Task Team Lead for the IMPACT Project, Dr. Onoriode Ezire, and the National Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr. Amina Abdul-One, represented by the Deputy Project Manager, Dr Zarah Haruna, commended the Edo State Government for its sustained investment in the health sector.

They noted that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo had positioned Edo among the leading states in Nigeria in healthcare delivery through strategic reforms and investments.

They reaffirmed the commitment of the World Bank and other development partners to sustaining their collaboration with the Edo State Government in strengthening primary healthcare services and improving health outcomes for residents.

A major highlight of the summit was the presentation of awards to outstanding Local Government Councils for excellence in primary healthcare performance.

Etsako Central Local Government Area emerged as the overall best-performing council, while Akoko-Edo and Owan East Local Government Areas came second and third respectively.

The awards were presented in recognition of the councils’ commitment to improving primary healthcare services, implementing impactful health programmes and promoting better health outcomes within their communities.

The summit attracted healthcare professionals, policymakers, development partners, academics and other stakeholders from within and outside Edo State, providing a platform to review progress, exchange ideas and develop practical strategies for strengthening primary healthcare and accelerating the attainment of Universal Health Coverage in the state.