AKWA IBOM HOSTS NATIONAL HEALTH FELLOWS PROGRAMME INTERVIEW.

Akwa Ibom State has successfully hosted the physical interview exercise for the National Health Fellows (NHF) Programme Cohort 2.0, a flagship initiative of the Federal Government of Nigeria, aimed at strengthening Primary Healthcare delivery and grooming young professionals for leadership roles on the health sector. The interview held at the conference hall of the State Ministry of Health, Uyo, brought together the shortlisted candidates drawn from the thirty-one local government areas of Akwa Ibom.

The exercise forms part of the nationwide selection process coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) through the Sector Wide Approach ( SWAp) coordination Office in collaboration with State and development partners. Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the interview panel, who is the State Coordinator World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Alawale Oluwabukola described the National Health Fellows programme as a strategic intervention designed to build a pool of competent and community focused health Fellows who will support health care reforms at the grassroots. She explained that candidates were assessed based on leadership potential, problem solving skills, commitment to public service, and understanding of primary healthcare challenges .

Members of the Panel, comprising representative of the health sector, academia, traditional ruler, ALGON all commended the orderly conduct of the interview and the quality of the candidates presented. They emphasized that the selection process was transparent, competitive and merit -based, ensuring equal opportunity for all applicants. The fellows are expected to support Primary Healthcare centres, improved community engagement, and contribute to better health planning, monitoring and service delivery. Candidates expressed appreciation for the opportunity provided by the programme, describing it as a platform to contribute meaningfully to community development and National health goals. The National Health Fellows programme aligns with the Federal Government's broader agenda to strengthen human resources for health, enhanced service delivery at the grassroots and and accelerate progress towards universal health coverage.

The Akwa Ibom interviewed ninety- three candidates shortlisted across the local government areas, which marks another significant step in building a resilient and people centered health care system across the country . In attendance were State Coordinator WHO , Dr Alawale Oluwabukola, the Executive Secretary Akwa Ibom State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr Eno Attah, the State SWAp Desk Officer, Dr. Ime Udoh, Representative of the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Etop Antia, Prof Eyo Ekpe, HRM Akuku Engr Johnson Jonny Obosi, Khadiyatu Muhammad Abdullahi FMOHSW, Mr Joseph Otioh ALGON Representative and others.

Info and PR Unit

Ministry of Health