Rivers State is doubling down on its commitment to quality primary healthcare, reinforcing its position as the best-performing state in the South-South region. The government has pledged continued investment in healthcare infrastructure to improve lives, protect communities, and build a healthier future.
At the heart of this initiative, Deputy Governor Professor Ngozi Odu inaugurated a newly installed Solarised Walk-in Cold Room and Vaccine Vial Crushers at the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board headquarters in Port Harcourt. She also commissioned nine operational Hilux vehicles and ten motorcycles to boost disease surveillance across the state’s 23 Local Government Areas.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the event, Professor Odu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ensuring accessible and functional healthcare for all Rivers residents. She praised the state’s Primary Health Care Management Board for winning the South-South Leadership Challenge for the second consecutive year and securing the national runner-up position, trailing only Anambra State.
Rivers State’s impressive performance has earned it $500,000 in both 2023 and 2024, a testament to the dedication of its healthcare teams. Highlighting the importance of the new cold chain facility, Professor Odu emphasized its role in preserving vaccine efficacy, ensuring that both children and adults receive life-saving immunizations.
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“This isn’t just about commissioning equipment—it’s about strengthening the foundation of primary healthcare in all 23 LGAs,” she said. “Governor Fubara’s administration prioritizes infrastructure that directly benefits communities. Our approach integrates storage facilities, vaccine management, and mobility solutions because effective healthcare delivery depends on strong systems, infrastructure, and a dedicated workforce.”
She also expressed gratitude to global partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) for their unwavering support, acknowledging their role in helping Rivers State achieve its healthcare goals.
Health Commissioner Dr. Adaeze Oreh, represented by Permanent Secretary Dr. Comfort Mekele Igwe, echoed this sentiment, stating that the newly commissioned equipment and vehicles would significantly enhance vaccine storage, disease surveillance, and overall healthcare delivery.
Board of Trustees Chairman, Professor Blessing Jaja, reaffirmed the commitment to ensuring quality and cost-effective healthcare for all. “Under the leadership of the Deputy Governor and the Health Commissioner, we have reached new heights in service delivery. We deeply appreciate Governor Fubara’s continued support for an efficient and accessible healthcare system,” he said.
Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Professor Kinikanwo Green, described the new Solarised Walk-in Cold Room as one of the best in Nigeria. He emphasized that the vehicles and motorcycles would enable medical officers to reach remote areas, expanding healthcare access.
“These additions will strengthen primary healthcare, improve immunization coverage, and reduce the disease burden in Rivers State,” he said. “Governor Fubara’s focus on primary healthcare—covering about 80% of the population’s needs—is commendable. His leadership, alongside that of the Deputy Governor and Health Commissioner, has been instrumental in our progress.”
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Port Harcourt Local Government Chairman, Ezebunwo Ichemati, assured the state government of continued support from the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON). He expressed satisfaction with the board’s efforts to ensure every child is immunized, pledging ALGON’s assistance in fulfilling its healthcare mandate.
Representatives from the WHO and UNICEF, including Dr. Oluwafunmilola Kolude and Dr. Anselem Audu, applauded the Rivers State Government’s dedication to improving healthcare. They assured continued collaboration to expand immunization access and coverage.
This initiative aligns with the Seattle Declaration, which aims to strengthen sub-national leadership in primary healthcare across Nigeria. It reinforces the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy, designed to increase state-level investment in healthcare infrastructure and human resource capacity.
With these ongoing efforts, Rivers State is setting a strong example in the South-South region, proving that sustained investment and strategic partnerships can transform healthcare delivery.
