Edo State Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa has directed that primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in rural communities be strengthened to ensure accessible and quality healthcare for residents across the state.

Mr Idahosa, according to a statement by his chief press secretary, Friday Aghedo, gave the directive on Friday in Benin while chairing the fourth quarterly meeting of the Edo State Primary Health Care Taskforce.

The deputy governor described rural healthcare delivery as critical to improving health outcomes and challenged local government chairmen to deepen access to essential services. He stressed that governance must deliver a visible grassroots impact.

As chairman of the task force, Mr Idahosa emphasised the need for full mobilisation ahead of the measles-rubella (MR) vaccination campaign scheduled for 2026.

He said the campaign targeted children aged nine months to 14 years, regardless of previous vaccination status.

“Our collective goal is to reach every eligible child in Edo State with the MR vaccine. No child should be left behind,” Mr Idahosa said.

He explained that the campaign was designed to strengthen herd immunity and protect communities from preventable disease outbreaks, noting that success would depend on collaboration among state actors, local councils, and health workers.

The deputy governor said the meeting, which marked the task force’s final session for 2025, provided an opportunity to review progress, refine strategies, and prepare for intensified action in the coming year.

He reaffirmed that health remained a central pillar of the SHINE agenda of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration.

“Under the governor’s guidance, we have sustained momentum in strengthening our primary healthcare system and expanding access to essential services across the state,” he said.

Mr Idahosa expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded in the health sector over the past year, attributing the gains to teamwork and partnerships with development agencies.

“These outcomes are the result of your collective efforts and the strong collaboration we have enjoyed with our development partners,” he said.

He also acknowledged the strategic role of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency in aligning Edo’s interventions with national priorities.

Mr Idahosa said the first quarter of 2026 would focus on field engagement, including inspections and direct interaction with health workers across the state’s 192 PHCs in all 18 local government areas.