Tina Amanda
The National Nutrition Health Survey and national health facility survey conducted in 2015/ 2016 has rated Rivers state poor on the Save One Million Lives (SOML) six key intervention program.
National Programs Manager Saving One Million Lives Program for results, Dr Ibrahim Kana, stated this during a 3 days’ workshop for 2019 work plan development and stake holders retreat in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Kana urged the ministry to strengthen and improve on its health facilities especially in the area of primary health care services such as immunization, vitamin A supplement, use of long lasting nets, use of skilled birth attendants, elimination of mother to child HIV transmission and use of contraceptive.
He however urged the state ministry of health to double its efforts on the preventive measures by engaging in an intensive advocacy of educating the people of Rivers on SOML programs.
Also speaking, Chief of field office UNICEF Port Harcourt, Wilbroad Ngambi said the recommendation by the SOML is good and requires Ministry of Health to think outside the box in finding new strategies to achieve the SOML six keys intervention in the state, adding that it’s very necessary to capture more children for immunization.
On his part, Permanent secretary primary health care board, Dr. Agiriye Harry said there is room for improvement, adding that funds and the free medical service was a major challenge to achieve the expected goal.
He stressed that Rivers has done better compared to what was initially on ground in the health care system.
Also, South –South Coordinator saving one million lives program for results, Lawrence Odidi said SOML will support the state ministry of health with incentives, if they are able to improve.
