The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, in collaboration with the Carter Center (TCC), held a 2-day Strategic State Planning Meeting on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in John Odigie Oyegun Public Service Academy (JOOPSA), Benin City from March 16th to 17th, 2026.
The meeting brought together key partners and stakeholders, including Federal Ministry of Health representative Mr Christopher Odueze, South South Zonal NTD Coordinator, Dr Fatoki Bashir Olajide who represented the WHO State Coordinator Dr. Mrs Nora Eyo; Mr Yakubu Yusuf UNICEF representative, State NPHCDA Coordinator Mr Jerry Lawani Osawe, EDSPHCDA directors, State Integrated Health Team (SIHTs), DSNO, HEO, M&E officer, State Immunization Officer, Medical Officers of Health, Monitoring and Evaluation Officers, NTD Coordinators from all 18 LGAs, and representatives from line ministries such as Education, Information, Budget and Planning, SUBEB, Local Govt & Chieftaincy Affairs and STRUWASSA.
To set the tone, the welcome address was delivered by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization EDSPHCDA, Dr Efeomon Eseigbe who welcomed participants and urged them to stay focused on building a strong and practical plan for NTD control in 2026.
While speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Dr Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, thanked His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, and the Carter Center for their support in the fight against Neglected Tropical Diseases. He stated that the strategic planning meeting was important to review the 2025 NTD activities and agree on clear and effective plans for 2026.
Also speaking, the Carter Center Director, Dr Emmanuel Emukah, explained that the meeting will help align Edo State’s NTD plans with the support and funding available from partners. He noted that the yearly planning keeps stakeholders and partners focused on eliminating NTDs.
Furthermore, the State NTD Coordinator, Mrs Poko, presented a review of the 2025 work plan and shared key activities for 2026.
As part of the sessions, a data presentation was given by Mr, James McKinnon, who showed the Edo State geospatial planning system. This system helps track health facilities and supervision activities in real time.
There was also a lecture on snakebite management to improve knowledge and response among health workers.
In the course of the meeting, work plans were presented by each LGA, and stakeholders made corrections and gave useful suggestions to improve implementation.
Finally, in recognition of outstanding performance, some officers were celebrated for their hard work during the 2025 Mass Administration of Medicines (MAM) amongst them were the:
Best Community Directed Distributor (CDD) Mr. Jonathan Imasue Omoike (Orhua Community, Uhunmwonde LGA) –He has over 25 years of service, distributing NTD drugs since 2000.
Best Community Leader, Hon. Igbaruman James (Owan East LGA)– He has supported CDDs for 11 years, including financial support to aid their work.
Best Frontline Health Worker: Mrs Eghosa Ojo (Ogua Health Post, Ovia North East LGA) -She has 15 years of service, working in a security-challenged area with strong community collaboration to ensure safe and effective service delivery.
Best NTD Coordinator: Mrs. Umole Celestina A. (Etsako Central LGA) – She is recognized for strong leadership, effective supervision, and successful use of geospatial tools for improved coverage.
