Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency Asaba

01/06/2026

20/05/2026

PRESS RELEASE

By Bayoko Isioma Anita
(PRO DSPHCDA)

*Delta State Strengthens Primary Health Care Through Citizen Engagement Townhall Meeting*

The Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and development partners, on the 18th May 2026 convened a Citizen Townhall Meeting at the state secretariat Asaba.

The meeting was aimed at strengthening primary health care (PHC) services in Delta State through citizen engagement and community ownership.

The meeting brought together stakeholders, health officials, community representatives, and development partners to deliberate on strategies for improving primary health care delivery across the state.

The objective of the townhall meeting was to promote awareness and provide updates on key health interventions, while also creating a platform for citizens to express concerns, contribute solutions, and strengthen trust and accountability within the primary health care system.

Several topical sessions were discussed during the engagement, including:

- Facilitating inclusive dialogue between citizens, communities, and PHC authorities;

- Improving health literacy and awareness on PHC reforms and services;

- Generating actionable community feedback;

- Increasing the utilisation of essential PHC services, particularly maternal, newborn, immunisation, and family planning services.

Speaking at the event, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Mrs. Uche Okwe, emphasised that primary health care remains the first and most important point of contact between the people and the health system.

Addressing participants on the need to strengthen trust and accountability, Dr. Okwe stated that:

“Trust is earned through consistent actions, transparency, fairness, responsiveness, and quality service delivery.”

She further highlighted key steps necessary for strengthening trust and accountability in the primary health care system, including:

- Ensuring quality service delivery;

- Promoting transparency in the management of resources;

- Strengthening community participation;

- Encouraging ethical conduct and professionalism;

- Strengthening monitoring and supervision while leveraging technology and innovation to improve the health system.

Also speaking at the meeting, the Permanent Secretary of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Yinkore A. Paul, noted that one of the major challenges facing the PHC sector is ensuring that citizens are aware of available services and where such services can be accessed.

According to him, the agency’s ultimate goal is to improve the overall health status of communities, reduce morbidity — the rate at which people come down with diseases, and also reduce mortality across the state.

26/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Delta State Government, WHO and other partners Marks African Vaccination Week 2026 with Public Awareness Campaign

By Isioma Anita Bayoko
(P.R.O DSPHCDA)

The Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key partners, has commemorated African Vaccination Week 2026 with a renewed call for increased vaccine uptake across all age groups.

The African Vaccination week is an annual event celebrated on the 24th-30th of April as adopted internationally to strengthen immunisation programs all around the world. The theme for this year is “For Every Generation, Vaccines Works,”

The theme underscores the life-saving importance of immunization at every stage of life—from infancy to old age.

Activities to mark the week began with a road walk, led by the The Executive Director DSPHCDA Dr. Yinkore Paul, WHO representatives, and partner organizations.

During the outreach, participants actively engaged residents, educating them on the benefits of vaccines in preventing deadly and infectious diseases.

The team also emphasized the importance of adhering to routine immunization schedules and encouraged community members not to miss any available vaccines.

Residents were further advised to visit the nearest health facilities to access free and safe vaccination services, as part of ongoing efforts to improve public health outcomes in the state.

The road walk culminated in a flag-off ceremony held at Umuagu Primary Health Centre.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of DSPHCDA, Dr. Yinkore Paul, reiterated the agency’s commitment to expanding immunization coverage and protecting vulnerable populations.

He highlighted that vaccines remain one of the most effective and reliable public health interventions, capable of preventing outbreaks and reducing child mortality.

Dr. Yinkore also called on parents, caregivers, and community leaders to support vaccination campaigns and ensure that no individual is left behind.

23/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

DELTA STATE GOVERNMENT RECOGNIZES OUTSTANDING HEALTH OFFICERS AT ROUTINE IMMUNIZATION REVIEW MEETING

By Isioma Anita Bayoko
(PRO DSPHCDA)

The Delta State Integrated Routine Immunization (RI) Monthly Review Meeting was successfully held today, April 23, 2026, at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba

As part of efforts to promote excellence and encourage high performance in the health sector, the Executive Director of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), Dr. Yinkore Paul, presented Awards of Excellence to outstanding officers selected across the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) for the year 2025.

The awards were given in recognition of exceptional dedication, diligence, and contributions toward strengthening routine immunization and primary healthcare services in Delta State.

The recipients of the awards are:

1) Executive Secretary (Medical Officer of Health), Ika South LGA
Mrs. Mary Ogwu Momoh

2) Local Immunization Officer (LIO), Aniocha North LGA
Mrs. Enunwa Mercy

3) Health Management Information System Officer (HMISO), Aniocha North LGA
Mr. Nkemachor Matthew

Speaking during the presentation, Dr. Yinkore Paul commended the awardees for their commitment and professionalism, noting that their efforts have significantly contributed to improving immunization coverage and health outcomes across the state.

He encouraged all health workers to remain steadfast in delivering quality healthcare services to the people of Delta State.

The Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA) remains committed to strengthening healthcare systems and ensuring equitable access to life-saving immunization services for all residents.

11/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

By Isioma Anita Bayoko
(PRO DSPHCDA)

Delta State Government Strengthens Primary Healthcare Revitalization

UNICEF contracting firms led by a UNICEF Engineer Toriola Jegede, paid an introductory visit to the Executive Director and Management staff of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA) on Friday, April 10, 2026.

The visit marks a significant step toward fostering collaboration between DSPHCDA, UNICEF, and other key stakeholders involved in the implementation of the project.

The partnership underscores a shared commitment to strengthening primary healthcare delivery across Delta State.

On behalf of the Global Fund, UNICEF will undertake the renovation of four (4) primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the state. The scope of work includes comprehensive infrastructural upgrades such as repairs, reconditioning of main buildings and staff accommodation, provision of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities, and installation of reliable solar-powered energy systems.

The PHCs slated for revitalization are:

Boji Boji Owa PHC, Ika North East LGA
Patani 2 PHC, Patani LGA
Umeh PHC, Isoko South LGA
Ogodobiri PHC, Bomadi LGA

The contracting firms engaged for the project are Globumulls Multi Concept Limited, Aitex Technologies Limited, and Sunsplash Business System Limited.

The firms will commence the revitalization works upon receipt of the official Notice to Proceed from UNICEF, in line with the agreed terms and conditions of the contract.

Delta State has made remarkable up progress in strengthening its primary healthcare system, with over 140 PHCs recently revitalized through collaborative efforts involving the State Government, NPHCDA, IMPACT, BHCPF, and PSHAN

These achievements, under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, demonstrate the state’s unwavering commitment to improving and enhancing access to quality healthcare universal health coverage.

02/04/2026

PRESS RELEASE

BY ISIOMA ANITA BAYOKO
(PRO DSPHCDA)

*DELTA STATE PRIMARY HEALTH CARE DEVELOPMENT AGENCY'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CONDUCTS SPOT-CHECK ON BHCPF-ACCREDITED HEALTH FACILITIES*

In a decisive move to strengthen accountability and enhance service delivery across primary health care centres in Delta State, the Executive Director of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), Dr. Paul Yinkore, on the 2nd of April 2026 led a coordinated team of Personnel from the Agency's Departments of Account, DPRS/BHCPF and Admin on a Comprehensive Spot Check of all Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF)–accredited facilities in the state.

The exercise forms part of the agency’s ongoing commitment to ensuring transparency, efficiency, and adherence to established standards in the management of primary health care services.

During the inspection, detailed reviews of financial records were carried out at each facility to ensure proper utilization and documentation of funds disbursed under the BHCPF.

In addition, a staff verification exercise was conducted for BHCPF volunteer personnel as well as health workers supported by the Delta State Government through the DSPHCDA.

As part of efforts to further strengthen financial management systems, Officers-in-Charge (OICs) across the facilities received refresher training on standard bookkeeping practices.

This initiative is aimed at improving accuracy, accountability, and consistency in financial reporting at the facility level.

Dr. Yinkore emphasized that the agency will continue to uphold strict monitoring mechanisms to guarantee that resources allocated to primary health care translate into improved health outcomes for residents across Delta State.

The DSPHCDA remains committed to promoting diligence, credibility, and excellence in the delivery of quality primary health care services.

26/03/2026

Earlier today, 23/3/2026, the Executive Director Delta State primary health care development agency Dr. Yinkore A. Paul, received a delegation of NAFDAC officials in his office

The purpose of the visit was to foster collaboration and strengthen pharmacovigilance.

According to the State NAFDAC Coordinator, pharmacist Jude Ndekile, The NAFDAC/GATES FOUNDATION proposes to have a sentinel sites (health facilities) engagement on Procurement of medical goods, storage and distribution.

This engagement is intended to forestall the production, sale use of substandard, and falsified medical product.

Responding, The ED Delta State primary health care development agency welcomed the officials and commended their gestures. He promised the Agency's collaboration with NAFDAC/ GATES FOUNDATION in the survey as it would provide necessary information to rid off the society of substandard medical product.

According to the Executive Director, Dr. Yinkore, The Agency is committed to providing the quality of care for all Deltans.

25/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

by Isioma Bayoko

*HPV Routinization and Sustainability*

The Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), in partnership with GIRL EFFECT and NOBLE DELTA, convened a Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting on HPV routinization and sustainability on March 25, 2026, at the Chike Edozien Secretariat.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders across the health, education, and community sectors to review progress made in 2025 on the implementation of HPV vaccine routinization. Discussions focused on vaccination coverage, trends in demand generation, integration within the Routine Immunization (RI) system, lessons learned, and identified implementation gaps.

A major outcome of the meeting was the renewed commitment to strengthening collaboration among stakeholders to ensure sustained uptake of the HPV vaccine and improved health outcomes for eligible populations.

In his remarks, the Executive Director of Delta State Primary health care development agency (DSPHCDA), Dr. Paul Yinkore, emphasized the importance of continuous public sensitization on the benefits of the HPV vaccine. He highlighted that the vaccine is most effective when administered to children at the age of 9, as it plays a critical role in preventing cervical cancer later in life.

Dr. Yinkore further reiterated that the HPV vaccine has now been fully integrated into the routine immunization schedule. He encouraged parents and guardians to take advantage of this opportunity by bringing children aged 9years to designated health centres for vaccination.

The Delta State Primary health care development agency (DSPHCDA) and its partners remain committed to ensuring equitable access to life-saving vaccines and promoting the health and well-being of all children across the state.

16/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

*Delta State Government Trains Health Educators Across 25 LGAs*

By Isioma Anita Bayoko(PRO)

The Delta State Government, through the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), in partnership with Girl Effect Nigeria and UNICEF, has commenced a three-day training programme for Health Educators drawn from the 25 Local Government Areas of the state.

The training, which began on 16 March 2026, is currently taking place at Kim Royal Hotel and Suites and is scheduled to run until 18 March 2026.

The objective of the training is to strengthen the knowledge and practical Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) skills of LGA Health Educators to enhance effective planning and implementation of community engagement activities across the state.

Declaring the training open, the Executive Director of the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA), Dr. Paul Yinkore, charged the Health Educators to make effective use of signboards at their respective health facilities and stations to create awareness on key public health services rendered within their communities.

During the sessions, participants were trained on how to identify health challenges or opportunities,
determine key audiences, and assess what those audiences currently know or perceive about specific health issues.

They were also guided on strategies to bring visibility and a sense of urgency to important public health concerns.

Facilitators further emphasized that the ultimate goal of effective health communication is to promote behavioural change by persuading and motivating individuals and communities to adopt healthy practices based on scientific evidence and ethical considerations.

The training is expected to further equip Health Educators with the necessary tools and strategies required to effectively engage communities and improve health outcomes across Delta State.

09/03/2026

PRESS RELEASE

*Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, The Carter Centre Flag Off Third Phase Of Hydrocele Free Surgeries*

The Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency in collaboration with The Carter Center has flagged off the third phase of Free Surgeries for patients living with Hydrocele in the state beginning from March 9 to March 13, 2026.

A hydrocele is a buildup of clear fluid in the sac surrounding a testicle that causes swelling in the sc***um.

Flagging off the free hydrocele surgery in Asaba, Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, said the 3rd phase is a sequence of surgical interventions for Morbidity Management and Disability Prevention spanning over a period of two years for patients suffering from the Neglected Tropical Diseases.

The Health Commissioner, who was represented at the event by the Executive Director, Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Paul Yinkore, said the free surgeries was part of the commitment of the agency to continue to expand access to health for all residents in Delta State.

Dr Onojaeme while commending the Carter Centre for the sustained partnership in the state, expressed optimism that the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration would do more in expanding healthcare access to all Deltans. “It is worth mentioning that the Partnership between the State Government through the Delta State Primary Health Care Development Agency (DSPHCDA) and The Carter Center which spans over 35 years has yielded the following: Stopped transmission of the Guinea-worm disease across the state, Interrupted the transmission of Riverblindnessdisease (Onchocerciasis) for 5 years through Mass Drug Administration in 15 out of 25 LGAs of the State, The State is now under Post Treatment Surveillance (PTS), Interrupted the transmission of lymphatic filiarisis in 2023 after successful assessments in 16 out of 25 LGAs with a total number of 2,870,639 persons taken out of Mass Drug Administration in the State.”

He recalled achievements recorded in the first and second phase of the program to include “In Phase One (2024), 48 free hydrocelectomies were successfully performed. In Phase Two (2025), another 50 patients benefited from the intervention. Today, all these beneficiaries have regained their health, dignity, and ability to lead productive lives.”

He said while the surgical interventions would run between 9th – 13th March, 2026, follow-up & Post-operative Care would last until 31st March, 2026 at the following designated centres: Delta North:Asaba Specialist Hospital, Asaba; Delta Central:Eku Baptist Government Hospital, Eku; and Delta South: Central Hospital, Warri

Dr Onojaeme reiterated the resolve of the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led administration to continue to fund the health sector for the benefits of all Deltans irrespective of social status. “Our Health Sector has delivered and it shall continue to do so as we march towards attaining the Universal Health Coverage- leaving no one behind. The Primary Health Care Revitalization is already taking shape with the rehabilitation of old health Facilities and the building of new ones. So far, about 260 Primary Health Care Centers have been revitalized with on-going equipment and commodity supplies. These facilities which are spread across the 25 LGAs are intended to provide quality of care that is accessible, and affordable.”