OSUN COMMISSIONER COMMENDS CoPREP WORKING TEAM FOR STRENGTHENING HEALTH SECTOR

By Segilola Babalola

Osun State Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola, has commended the Covid-19 Preparedness and Response Project (CoPREP) working team for their efforts in strengthening the state's health sector as the program nears its conclusion.

The Commissioner made this commendation during the third CoPREP meeting, held at the Public Health Emergency Operation Center, Ministry of Health, Osogbo.

Hon. Akintola explained that since the project's commencement in the state, all reports received have been encouraging, with no queries from the national level. He lauded all the pillars involved for their excellent work within the time frame.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, stated that the meeting provided an opportunity to review the various pillars and their activities. Dr. Adekunle expressed confidence that, based on performance, Osun State would be among the best-performing states in terms of coordinated activities led by various pillars.

The Director of Public Health, Dr. Akeem Bello, also appreciated all stakeholders for their supportive roles and cooperation in making the program a success with no shortcomings.

State Epidemiologist Dr. Omolola Adeagbo provided an update on CoPREP. She explained that the World Bank funded the project to provide critical healthcare service mechanisms to combat the spread of COVID-19 and other priority diseases at both the national and sub-national levels. Dr. Adeagbo noted that two years ago, the state submitted a work plan based on its needs, which the project is implementing through support from the World Bank and the NCDC. She highlighted that the project supports seven pillars: surveillance, coordination, laboratory, infection prevention and control, gender affairs, logistics, and Emergency Operations Center activities related to COVID-19. The project has benefited many people through the training and retraining of health and laboratory workers and by strengthening surveillance activities with community informants monitoring priority diseases. Out of 31 planned activities, 24 have been completed as the program concludes this month.

Earlier in his remarks, the Head of the Project Finance Management Unit, Mr. David Ijila from the Accountant General's Office, appreciated the Commissioner and the project team for providing an enabling environment. He noted that the state's high level of accountability and commitment could facilitate access to further grants.

State Coordinator for UNICEF, Mr. Olakanmi Israel, emphasized that any opportunity given to the state must be utilized effectively.

Additionally, a lecture on integrating institutional efforts to combat gender-based and sexual harassment was delivered by Barr. Kayode Titiloye.