Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, has announced plans to establish specialist hospitals in each of the state’s three senatorial zones to enhance healthcare delivery.
The Governor made this known during the official signoff and handover ceremony organized by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), also known as Doctors Without Borders, in Abakaliki on Thursday.
Governor Nwifuru highlighted that this initiative aligns with his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services across Ebonyi State.
In his remarks, the Governor lauded MSF for its pivotal role in the state’s healthcare sector since 2018, particularly in the surveillance, treatment, and management of Lassa Fever cases.
“As a Governor, I am deeply satisfied with the proactive and relentless efforts you have invested in our health sector since your arrival in Ebonyi. With your continued support, I believe we can completely eliminate the threat of Lassa Fever,” he stated.
The Governor also pledged unwavering support for MSF’s activities, emphasizing the importance of their partnership for the betterment of humanity.
To combat Lassa Fever and other public health challenges, Governor Nwifuru noted that his administration has deployed ambulances, employed trained healthcare personnel—including doctors, nurses, radiographers, and laboratory scientists—and provided utility vehicles to ensure rapid service delivery.
Earlier in the event, Allen Godfrey, MSF’s Field Coordinator, reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to providing health and humanitarian services in Ebonyi. He reflected on their successes over the past seven years, including interventions in the Lassa Fever crisis, COVID-19 management, and the construction of six health centers.
Godfrey appealed for sustained government collaboration, urging budgetary commitments and the deployment of trained nurses to rural areas for effective Lassa Fever management.
“We have achieved significant milestones in our time here, and we look forward to continued partnership to ensure the health and well-being of the people,” he said.
This collaboration marks a significant stride in addressing public health concerns and improving healthcare infrastructure across Ebonyi State.
