The Cross River State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to developing a comprehensive Community Action Plan (CAP), emphasising that the forthcoming policy is firmly rooted in Governor Bassey Otu’s “People First” agenda, particularly within the healthcare sector.
The State Commissioner gave the assurance for Information, Dr Erasmus Ekpang, during a strategic advocacy visit by the State Social Mobilisation and Technical Committee (SOMTEC), led by its Chairman and Permanent Secretary, Mr Anthony Okon, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Calabar.
Dr Ekpang described the initiative as both timely and essential, noting that the CAP, originally framed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), is a collaborative, multi-phase strategy designed to strengthen paediatric healthcare, nutrition, and social safety nets across the State. He stressed that the policy will help reduce morbidity and mortality rates at the grassroots level, where interventions are most urgently needed.
“This Community Action Plan is not merely a bureaucratic document; it is a tangible reflection of this administration’s core philosophy,” Ekpang stated.
“Governor Otu’s People First mantra demands that our most vulnerable population—our children—receive premium, accessible, and affordable healthcare. This partnership with UNICEF allows us to institutionalise that care.”
Highlighting Cross River’s recent achievement of surpassing 95% coverage in routine immunisation, the Commissioner underscored the need for deliberate policies to improve other lagging health indicators.
He assured that the Ministry of Information, alongside key stakeholders, will thoroughly review the draft policy documents to fast-track their presentation to the State Executive Council.