The Ogun State Government has partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) towards enhancing the health of its citizens and improving the Primary Healthcare Services to communities across the State.

 Executive Secretary, Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola made this known during a 2-day Stakeholders meeting in Abeokuta, saying the partnership between Ogun State and CHAI was a timely intervention that aligns with the State's commitment to improving the health and well-being of its residents.

Dr. Ogunsola highlighted some of the efforts towards strengthening the healthcare system to include, investments in infrastructure and personnel, saying that, partnership with CHAI was a demonstration of the government's dedication to delivering high-quality healthcare services to its citizens. He added that the initiative would identify state-specific gaps and strengths, guide strategic planning, and ensure the sustainability of the Community-Based Health workforce programme.

He revealed that the partnership between Ogun State and CHAI was expected to have a significant impact on the State's healthcare system, by strengthening the community health workforce, the State would improve access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and under served areas, saying it would not only enhance the health and well-being of residents but also contribute to the State's economic development by reducing the burden of healthcare costs on families and communities.

In her address, the Consultant, Health Access Initiative Independent (CHAI), Mrs. Simi Martins noted that, her organisation's goal was to improve community health readiness and maturity level in Nigeria, with the aim of enhancing sustainable financing for community health and improve the operational capacity for its implementation.

Mrs. Martins pointed out that CHAI's vision was a world where everyone could live a healthy and fulfilling life, noting that the organisation operates at the nexus of the Governments, business and health towards strengthening and sustaining quality health systems in low-and middle-income countries.

 In Ogun State, CHAI's technical assistance would help identify state-specific gaps and strengths, guide strategic planning, and ensure the sustainability of the Community-Based Health workforce programme by improving community health readiness and maturity level. The State could enhance access to essential healthcare services, particularly in rural and under served areas which would contribute to better health outcomes and improved quality of life for the state's residents.

Speaking on behalf of other participants, the Health Secretary, Abeokuta South Local government, Dr. Atinuke Duse, expressed gratitude to the State Government and CHAI for the initiative, which was loaded with significant benefits to include, improved healthcare delivery, enhanced community health workforce, and better health outcomes for its residents.