Ogun State government says the prevailing situation of the country will not prevent it from prioritising qualitative healthcare for residents of the state, towards achieving universal health coverage.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, made this known in Abeokuta, while playing host to delegates from Global Fund and allied partners, including, United Nations' Children Fund (UNICEF), Society for Family Health (SFH), Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) and National Tuberculosis and Leprosy Control Programme (NTBLCP), saying government had continually strengthened its health system through the provision of standard infrastructure, equipment and qualified personnel.

Engr. Salako-Oyedele stated that the state government’s Health Insurance Scheme was one of the ways to increase accessibility to healthcare in tertiary, secondary and primary levels, acknowledging the significance of collaborations and partnerships in the delivery of efficient healthcare services.

She appreciated Global Fund for partnering the state government on various interventions to stem Tuberculosis, Human Immune-deficiency Virus (HIV), Malaria, as well as, the ongoing construction of Pharmagrade Warehouse project, assuring that the present administration would continue to play its part in improving the health indices of the state.

Speaking, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, noted that collaborations with development partners in the health sector had enabled prompt response to health emergencies and delivery of quality care to the people, lauding them for their support.

On his part, Head of Grant Management, Global Fund, Mr. Mark Eddington, said his organisation had invested about 4.7 billion dollars in Nigeria since the early 2000s with Ogun as one of the five highest investment states for malaria.

He called on the state government to ensure continuous investments in the health sector, while also integrate health services at the local government level for the benefit of the people, particularly those in the rural areas, promising continued support to the state, towards ensuring best health outcomes.