In a major boost to Nigeria’s grassroots health reform agenda, the World Health Organization (WHO) has commended the Executive Chairman of Enugu East Local Government Area, Engr. Pst. Beloved-Dan Obi Anike, for his exceptional role in advancing Universal Health Coverage (UHC) at the local government level.

The recognition was formalized at an formal ceremony held at the council’s headquarters in Nkwo Nike on Wednesday.

This was even as the chairman dedicated the Ward of Recognition to the state Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, describing the achievement as an initiative pioneered by the Mbah administration to promote quality healthcare delivery among residents across the state.

Presenting the award, WHO South East Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Chukwumuanya Igboekwu, described Chairman Anike as a trailblazer in grassroots healthcare delivery.

He applauded the council’s efforts in enrolling over 5,000 vulnerable residents into the state UHC scheme, a feat that aligns closely with WHO’s core health priorities. Dr. Igboekwu noted that Anike is the first local government chairman in the state to receive such an honour.

The WHO representative highlighted the alignment of 99% of Enugu East’s healthcare initiatives with national and global health development goals, pledging full institutional support to the council and emphasized that the WHO partnership would position Enugu East as a model for sustainable, equitable, and community-driven health development across Nigeria.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Mrs. Joy Udiji, Senior Special Assistant on Public Health, unveiled the council’s comprehensive roadmap for the partnership. Key focus areas included the expansion of access to quality primary healthcare services, improved immunization efforts, enhanced WASH infrastructure, and the establishment of a Metropolitan School of Health Technology to train frontline health workers.

Reacting, Engr Anike attributed the award to the visionary leadership of Governor Mbah, saying the council had already aligned with the strategic objectives of the state government to provide affordable, quality and sustainable universal health insurance for the people irrespective of location.

He credited the governor’s ambitious healthcare agenda—particularly the construction of 260 modern Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres across the state—as the foundation for the council’s achievements in inclusive health delivery.

“This award is a validation of the Governor’s vision and our collective effort to localize that vision. Enugu East is proud to play its part in making Universal Health Coverage a reality,” Anike said, reaffirming the council’s commitment to achieving measurable outcomes through the WHO collaboration.

The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including the Commissioner for Water Resources, Dr. Felix Nnamani; ESUT Teaching Hospital CMD, Prof. Bethrand Ngwu; and other senior government officials and community leaders.