Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, has commended the World Bank-supported Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project, describing it as a very valuable and impactful initiative.
Filani presented the commendation in Ado-Ekiti during the formal transition ceremony at which the Solina Center for International Research and Development Project IMPACT was handed over to the Ekiti State Government.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ekiti State Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, the commissioner commended Solina’s leadership for the effective implementation of the programme.
He also expressed gratitude for Governor Oyebanji’s unwavering commitment to the fight against malaria, noting that the governor’s support played a crucial role in the overall success of the project.
Addressing the audience, Solina Director Abdulateef Salisu, represented by the organisation’s Senior Director, Dr Hidaya Bello, stated that the strong commitment of the state government was key to the programme’s achievements.
He expressed optimism that the transition of the project to the government would allow it to record even greater positive results.
In his remarks, Solina Project Director Daniel Abraham applauded the implementation team, noting that their collaboration had produced a shared dedication to malaria control efforts across the state.
Also speaking was the IMPACT Project Coordinator and State Malaria Elimination Program Manager, Dr. Folu Ekundare, who said the state would sustain and enhance existing project structures to ensure accountability, improve effectiveness and deliver better results.
He explained that this step is intended to ensure the continued success and long-term impact of the project.
According to him, “The malaria component of Project IMPACT aims to reduce the burden of malaria in the state by strengthening service delivery, improving access to quality diagnostics and treatments, enhancing community participation and building sustainable health systems capable of supporting malaria elimination efforts.”