RismadarVoice Reporters
January 15, 2026
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has approved the immediate release of the 2025 counterfunding for health-related programmes across the state, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem John, has disclosed.
Speaking to journalists during the Ministry’s Ministerial Briefing on Thursday in Uyo, Dr. John said the funding will support key health interventions, including health insurance, primary healthcare, immunization, family planning, and nutrition.
“His Excellency Governor Umo Eno not only approved but also signed for the release of the counterpart funding before the end of January 2026 for all our programmes. Immunisation, family planning, nutrition, and health insurance are all covered, and this year we are ready to work on these areas,” he said.
The Commissioner highlighted major policy reform initiatives by the Ministry of Health, noting that in 2025, the ministry focused on strengthening infrastructure, improving staff welfare, training, and enhancing service delivery to achieve better health outcomes for residents.
Dr. John also outlined sectoral achievements, particularly in the control of Leprosy and Tuberculosis (TB). He revealed that five portable X-ray machines were commissioned last year with support from the Global Fund. All suspected TB patients in facilities equipped with the machines are now entitled to free X-ray services.
“If you look at the TB indices, Akwa Ibom is doing very well,” he said. “Last year alone, we commissioned five portable X-ray machines with the support of the Global Fund. All suspected TB patients in these facilities are to have their X-rays free of charge.”
On HIV/AIDS, the commissioner acknowledged challenges but noted improvements in reporting and patient identification. According to him, about 168,000 persons living with HIV/AIDS have now been accurately identified in the state, down from over 200,000 previously due to double-counting issues.
“This is progress because 99% of those who have HIV now actually know their status,” Dr. John said. “One of the challenges remains that some people with HIV do not know they have it, but we are addressing this through better reporting and auditing systems.”
