In a landmark development that underscores Enugu State’s growing reputation as a leader in grassroots healthcare transformation, the World Health Organization (WHO) has formally launched a strategic partnership with Enugu East Local Government Area and honored its Executive Chairman, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, for outstanding contributions to Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
At an official ceremony held at the Council Headquarters in Nkwo Nike, WHO South East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, presented an Award of Recognition to Chairman Anike, citing his trailblazing efforts in enrolling 5,000 vulnerable residents into the State’s UHC scheme — an initiative endorsed and championed by Governor Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.
Dr. Igboekwu described Engr. Anike as the first Local Government Chairman in Enugu State to receive such a distinction, praising his visionary leadership and commitment to inclusive healthcare. He commended the Council’s proactive health strategy, noting that 99% of its proposed initiatives align seamlessly with WHO’s national health priorities. He further pledged WHO’s full support and affirmed that the partnership would position Enugu East as a model for sustainable, equitable, and community-led health development in Nigeria.
Presenting the Council’s roadmap for the partnership, Dr. Mrs. Joy Udiji, Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, identified priority focus areas, including: improving access to quality primary healthcare services; enhancing data and disease surveillance systems; immunization and vaccine outreach; equipping five new Type 1 Primary Healthcare Centres; expanding WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure; and developing the proposed Metropolitan School of Health Technology to train frontline health workers.
Responding, Executive Chairman Engr. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike dedicated the recognition to Governor Peter Mbah, whose state-wide health reform agenda — including the construction of 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres — has laid the foundation for inclusive and accessible healthcare across Enugu. He reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to complementing the state’s efforts and delivering measurable results through the WHO partnership.
“This award is a validation of the Governor’s vision and our collective effort to localize that vision. Enugu East is proud to play its part in making Universal Health Coverage a reality,” Chairman Anike stated.
The ceremony drew dignitaries from across the state, including Hon. Dr. Felix Nnanyelugo Nnamani, Commissioner for Water Resources; Prof. Bethrand Amaechi Ngwu, Chief Medical Director of ESUT Teaching Hospital; Hon. Engr. Kingsley Obi Anike, Deputy Chairman of Enugu East LGA; Hon. Obumneme Eke, Leader of the Enugu East Legislative Council; Barr. Uche Mbaeke, Secretary of the LGA; and other senior public officials and community leaders.
With this strategic WHO partnership and global recognition, Enugu East is now firmly on the path to becoming a national benchmark for decentralized health innovation — echoing the transformative vision of Enugu State’s leadership.