Anambra State is facing a severe healthcare crisis, with at least 55 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across 16 of its 21 local government areas operating with fewer than five government-employed health workers. Many facilities are staffed by only one or two workers, often volunteers or community health extension workers with limited training.

A review by Orodata Science’s CheckMyPHCs portal shows that none of the PHCs meet the minimum staffing standards set by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the World Health Organization, which require 12–24 personnel per facility depending on type. Residents report long travel times and limited access to emergency and maternal care due to understaffing.

Despite recent recruitment efforts by the state government to assign at least 10 health workers per ward, experts warn the measures are insufficient to prevent worsening public health outcomes, including rising maternal mortality and gaps in immunisation and disease control.

Health analysts highlight poor remuneration, rural postings, and migration of skilled workers as key drivers of the crisis, calling for urgent government action to strengthen staffing, improve incentives, and modernize facilities.