By DADA AYOKHAI
The Edo State Government has adopted the IMPACT policy to take quality healthcare closer to citizens through Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
IMPACT stands for *I*mmunization *P*lus and *M*alaria Progress by *A*ccelerating *C*overage and *T*ransforming Services. The Federal Government initiative, supported by the World Bank, focuses on immunization, malaria prevention, maternal and child health, and health system strengthening.
Implementation began in 2024. The project aims to reduce maternal and child mortality and strengthen Primary Healthcare systems, with the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency leading implementation across Edo South, Central, and North.
A major focus of the project is infrastructure. A total of 61 Primary Healthcare Centres have been selected for revitalization — 21 in Edo South, 20 in Edo Central, and 20 in Edo North.
The facilities have been upgraded to Level 2 standards with staff quarters, water supply, solar power, laboratories, immunization halls, and improved maternal and child health units.
The upgrades are enabling health workers to serve communities better and are bringing quality care closer to the people.
Beyond infrastructure, the project is strengthening service delivery. Direct facility funding is in place, while tablets and laptops have improved health data management. Ultrasound machines deployed across LGAs are also reducing the need for pregnant women to travel far for scans.
Healthcare workers are receiving regular training. Outreach programmes are reaching children who missed routine immunization, while Skilled Birth Attendants and Community Health Extension Workers have been engaged to reduce waiting times.
The impact is already visible. More women are attending antenatal clinics, more mothers are delivering in health facilities, and immunization coverage is improving.
To ease costs, services such as antenatal care, immunization, malaria treatment, and normal deliveries are offered free of charge.
Progress is being tracked through the District Health Information System using key indicators like skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, immunization coverage, and malaria treatment for children under five.
As the project approaches its 2026 completion date, attention is on sustainability.
The goal is for state and local governments to sustain the gains. With better infrastructure, services, and systems, the IMPACT Project is protecting mothers, saving children’s lives, and expanding access to quality healthcare in Edo State.
