Rivers State Ministry of Health

This Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ and the gift of health, family and the joy of community, we wish you all a season filled with love, peace and good health. Merry Christmas from our family at the Rivers State Ministry of Health to yours! #MerryChristmas #CelebrateResponsibly #Health4AllRivers

It is said that the greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members. Yesterday, Ndoni District (under Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, or ONELGA) came alive with festive joy as the Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, organized a special celebration - giving back to her community. The quote above was brought to life as 300 school bags filled with books were distributed to eager young students, and gifts of cash, wrappers, and rice were shared with 75 widows across three Wards. During the celebration, Dr Oreh emphasized the importance of community service and the responsibility of public office. She highlighted the importance of remembering one's roots and giving back to the community that supported their journey. “We are all from somewhere,” she stated, “and we must always remember our people and carry them along.” The joy and appreciation at the event can best be captured in the words of Mrs Elizabeth Samuel, a resident of Ndoni District: “If you look everywhere, you'll find that all the widows are very happy. They've never experienced a Christmas like this. Even the children, when they see their school bags—different ones—are so happy. It's not every parent that can buy a school bag, but today we find joy.” She concluded with a prayer that resonates in all our hearts: “We pray that the grace of God will be upon her. May the good God continue to prosper you, prosper the Rivers State Government, and prosper the people of Ndoni in Jesus' name. God bless you.” #MerryChristmas2024 #CommunityService #AdaezeOreh #Riversstate

Still celebrating the power of partnerships and collaboration…. Yesterday was the official handover ceremony for family planning commodities procured by DKT International and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, emphasized His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara’s vision for a resilient and equitable healthcare system and his commitment to prioritizing family planning. Expressing gratitude to UNFPA and DKT International, Dr Oreh stated, “This procurement represents more than just a response to an immediate need; it is a testament to our shared commitment to sustaining the progress we have achieved in reproductive health. It underscores our determination to ensure that every individual in Rivers State has access to the resources and services needed to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.” Family planning is more than pregnancy prevention; it is a transformative tool for empowerment and societal progress. It enables informed reproductive choices, supports healthier pregnancies, reduces maternal and infant mortality, and strengthens economic stability. This initiative aligns seamlessly with His Excellency’s inspiring vision for #RiversState: a healthcare system that ensures equity, resilience, and accessibility for all. This is #Health4AllRivers in action!! #FamilyPlanning #ReproductiveHealth #PartnershipForHealth #UHC

Yesterday, Dr Adaeze Oreh, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, received a donation of cold chain equipment from the Oil Producers Trade Section (OPTS), a sub-group of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry. During the handover ceremony, the Commissioner said that one of His Excellency, Governor Fubara's key priorities when developing the Rivers State healthcare strategy was to attract respectful and results-driven partnerships. In her remarks, she stated: “I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Oil Producers Trade Section, the 25 Nigerian companies, and the five International Oil Companies (IOCs) that form this trade section. Your contributions will directly enhance the quality of immunization and child health services across Rivers State. This is especially impactful for our remote and hard-to-reach communities, which are often neglected due to the capital-intensive nature of delivering logistics to the last mile.” The cold chain equipment will be crucial in bolstering immunization efforts across the state, ensuring better health outcomes for children in all communities. In addition, Dr. Oreh also inspected the ongoing construction of doctors' quarters and the rehabilitation of Bori Zonal Hospital. #PublicPrivatePartnerships #LCCI #Immunization #Health4AllRivers #RiversState

RIVERS STATE WINS 2024 SOUTH-SOUTH PHC LEADERSHIP CHAMPION AWARD For the second year in a row, Rivers State has won the coveted prize as the Best Performing State in the South-South Region in the Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge, emerging as the South-South Champion and National runner-up, beating the pack. This was announced in an event organized by the Nigeria Governors' Forum and supported by UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency on Thursday night. At the awards and gala night ceremony, Rivers State won a $500,000 award for being the best from the South-South region and the second best in the country, demonstrating consistent hard work from the health teams in the state despite apparent challenges. Her Excellency, Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, who represented the Governor and led the state delegation to receive the award, praised the organisers through their Independent Verification Teams and Independent Judging Panel for their objective evaluation and assessment of the performance of the State in the comity of states in the Federation. The Primary Health Care (#PHC) Leadership Challenge is a flagship programme of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF). It aims to revitalize the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (#PHCUOR) policy in Nigeria by galvanising stronger commitment of state governors to promoting a progressive increase in PHC funding. This is geared towards ensuring improved infrastructure in all primary healthcare centres with strengthened human resource capacity. The Governor said, "This award and national recognition will undoubtedly enable us double down on existing efforts to strengthen the quality and expand the reach of primary healthcare in Rivers State in alignment with our #Health4AllRivers Strategy towards Universal Health Coverage. Exactly one year ago, I was opportuned to stand alongside the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and my brother state governors to sign the Presidential Compact for Nigeria's health sector renewal. This award and recognition clearly demonstrate our commitment to that compact as a commitment to providing quality healthcare services and the improvement of the health of not just the people of Rivers State, but the nation at large", he added. In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, expressed gratitude to Governor Siminalayi Fubara for providing the enabling environment and support for the Ministry to perform, adding that with the people-centred policy focus of the administration, the health sector in the state will be transformed to deliver affordable and accessible healthcare services to all strata of society in the shortest possible time. Media Team Rivers State Ministry of Health Port Harcourt, Rivers State #RiversState #BestPerformingState #PHCLeadershipChallenge #UHC #NGF

We had an incredible time commemorating the 2024 #UniversalHealthCoverageDay in Rivers State today! We kicked off the day with an invigorating and fun-filled health walk at 7 am this morning. The day's key highlights included a medical outreach program for persons living with disabilities, enrolling them into the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, and the official launch of the Informal Sector Plan, also known as "SIM JARA." Subsidized at just 15,000 Naira a year, SIM JARA unlocks access to comprehensive health services for all rural communities, market women, artisans, low-income earners, and other vulnerable populations. Officially flagging off the medical outreach and enrollment drive, Her Excellency, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Prof. Ngozi Odu represented by the Senior Special Assistant on Administration, Dr. Mrs Doris Oyil, called for a collective effort to achieve #UniversalHealthCoverage. She urged government officials, healthcare providers, and residents to work together, encouraging residents to enrol in the Rivers State Health Insurance Scheme and participate in ongoing health initiatives. Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh reflected on the progress the state has made in its UHC journey. She commended His Excellency, Governor Siminalayi Fubara for his commitment to healthcare, exemplified by his landmark approval of the implementation of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) in January 2024. Dr. Oreh also celebrated RIVCHPP's remarkable achievement of enrolling over 62,000 individuals, granting them access to quality healthcare services without any out-of-pocket expenses. The Acting Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP, Dr Vetty Agala celebrated the visionary leadership of His Excellency, the Governor of Rivers State and the transformational contributions of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, for the significant achievements of RIVCHPP. She reaffirmed the Rivers State Government's unwavering commitment to equitable healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of #UHC for all residents. Dr Agala also urged all stakeholders, including government officials, healthcare providers, and individuals, to work together to ensure that no one is left behind. In her UHC Day broadcast this morning, Dr Oreh emphasized the fact that enrolling in RIVCHPP is simple: ➡️Visit any government healthcare facility close to you across the state or call RIVCHPP via their dedicated phone lines: 🔹0904-696-2204 🔹0808-5318-664 🔹0201-889-1469 ➡️Visit the RIVCHPP office: 🔹Block A, 2nd Floor, Remodeled Waterlines Building, Port-Harcourt-Aba Road, Rivers State ➡️Also visit their website: https://lnkd.in/de7uYsA9 for more information on the health plans and their cost. Consider spreading joy this holiday season by gifting a health plan. It's the gift that keeps on giving.   #SIMJARA #RIVCHPP #UHCDay2024 #Health4AllRivers #Health4All #RiversState

It is a historic #UniversalHealthCoverageDay for Rivers State as we proudly join the global community for the first time to celebrate #UHCDay, highlighting the government’s commitment to ensuring equitable, affordable, and quality health care for all. This year's theme is "Health: It's on the government." In this inspiring UHC Day broadcast, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh emphasizes the importance of universal health coverage and highlights the specific initiatives implemented by the Rivers State government to achieve #Health4AllRivers. Here’s a snippet from her broadcast. Watch the full video below 👇 “...This theme calls on leadership at all levels to prioritize health in their policies, budgeting, and implementation strategies. Governments are urged to: 🔹Build robust healthcare systems 🔹Ensure equitable access to care 🔹Safeguard citizens from the financial burden of illness. Under the visionary leadership of H.E. Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Rivers State is taking bold strides to achieve UHC for all residents. His Excellency's unwavering dedication to strengthening the healthcare system has given rise to the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), a flagship initiative that ensures that no one is left behind in the pursuit of good health. 🔷What does RIVCHPP offer? It is a comprehensive health insurance scheme that provides access to a wide range of health care services, including consultations, diagnostic tests, treatment and medications. These services are available at little to no cost, making quality health care accessible for everyone, regardless of age, employment status, social status or gender. 🔷Enrolling in RIVCHPP is simple: ➡️Visit any government healthcare facility close to you across the state or call RIVCHPP via their dedicated phone lines: 🔹0904-696-2204 🔹0808-5318-664 🔹0201-889-1469. ➡️Provide the necessary details, including your National Identification Number. ➡️Choose from the affordable plans that are available to suit your needs: 🔹Basic Health Care Provision Fund or RIV Care for the Vulnerable Populations. 🔹Informal Sector Plans or SIM JARA. 🔹Tertiary Institution Health Insurance Plan 🔹Formal Sector Plan or RIV Health 🔹Corporate Plans – Basic, Premium and Premium Plus. ➡️Any one of our staff will be on hand to guide you through this process of enrolment. We will be having a health walk and a medical outreach at Orogbum Model Primary Health Care Center with enrolment of persons living with disability as our focus. While the government leads the charge, it requires the active participation and support of every resident of the state. Together, we can achieve a healthier #RiversState where everyone has the opportunity to live their lives to the fullest. Let us embrace this transformative initiative and encourage our family members, friends, colleagues, neighbours and loved ones to enrol today. The time to act is now!" #UHC #HealthForAll

The Rivers State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the Rivers State Queen of Peace Project and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has launched a street-by-street sensitization campaign against drug abuse. The Awareness Campaign, which kicked off from Mile 1 to Mile 3 this week, aims to educate the public about the dangers of drug use. The Campaign is already yielding positive results, as the residents who have been engaged visibly appreciate the multifaceted approach that educates and offers possible solutions to address drug and substance abuse. This aligns with the vision of His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, who has commenced the construction of state-of-the-art drug rehabilitation centers in Rumuigbo and at the office of the State Command, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The Street-to-Street Campaign Continues next week. #DrugAbuseAwareness #DrugFreeRiversState #CommunityEngagement #Health4AllRivers

Although the first week of December is still underway, it has already been packed with significant activities. 1. On Monday, December 3, Rivers State University held the Maiden Induction and Oath-Taking Ceremony for 49 graduates of the Department of Nursing Science at the University. Speaking at the ceremony, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh discussed the crucial role of nurses in building a robust and functional health system, highlighting their contributions to health promotion, disease prevention, and quality care—essential for achieving universal health coverage. Dr Oreh congratulated the newly inducted nurses, celebrating their exceptional achievements, including a 100% pass rate and 15 distinctions, and announced their absorption for internship starting in March 2025. 2. Also, this week, the Naval Training Command in Ebubu, Eleme LGA, hosted the inaugural "Medical and Educational Rhapsody 2024," which included a medical outreach. The event was organized by the Flag Officer Commanding the Naval Training Command in Ebubu, Eleme Local Government Area. The Honourable Commissioner for Health attended the event as the special guest. She commended the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ikechukwu Ogala, and the Naval Training Command for their efforts in providing free healthcare to residents. Dr Oreh congratulated the Naval Training Command on the successful execution of the Medical Rhapsody, recognizing it as the first of many such initiatives to benefit the people of Ebubu, Eleme, and beyond. The Commissioner was honoured with an award for her unwavering commitment to health service delivery. 3. The Commissioner also conducted a facility visit to the Nigerian Air Force Reference Hospital to assess its facilities and operations 4. The Rivers State Hospitals Management Board organized a one-day free medical outreach at Professor Kelsey Harrison Hospital. Services provided during the outreach included: 🟢Antenatal care for pregnant women 🟢Eye care services 🟢Imaging and X-ray diagnostic services Additionally, the Commissioner inaugurated a newly established Eye Clinic and X-ray Unit at the hospital. #Nursing #NigerianNavy #CommunityHealth #AirForceReferenceHospital #RiversState #Health4AllRivers

“In every community, persons with disabilities are changemakers and peacemakers. They are also leaders.” António Guterres Persons with disabilities are powerful changemakers and leaders. Yet, they continue to face discrimination, stigma, and barriers to basic rights and services. This often puts them at a disadvantage, particularly in the face of global challenges like conflict, climate change, poverty, and inequality. Today, on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, let's recognize the vital role of persons with disabilities. Their leadership is essential in building a more inclusive and sustainable future for all. Let's work together to achieve an inclusive and sustainable future for all people. #DisabilityDay #IDPD2024 #IDPD #Health4AllRivers