For the second consecutive year, Rivers State has been named the Best Performing State in the South-South region in the prestigious Primary Healthcare Leadership Challenge. The state also claimed the national runner-up spot, outshining other competitors in a remarkable display of commitment to improving healthcare services.
The announcement was made during a high-profile event hosted by the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and supported by key stakeholders such as UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the Aliko Dangote Foundation, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency. The award ceremony took place on Thursday night at the State House Banquet Hall.
Rivers State was awarded a $500,000 prize for being the top performer in the South-South region and the second-best performer nationwide. This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of the state's health teams, who have remained dedicated to improving healthcare despite various challenges.
Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State, who represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara at the event, praised the organisers and the Independent Verification Teams and Judging Panel for their rigorous and unbiased evaluation process. She expressed her appreciation for the recognition, noting that it is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the state's healthcare teams.
The Primary Healthcare (PHC) Leadership Challenge is a key programme under the Nigeria Governors Forum, designed to promote stronger leadership in primary healthcare across Nigeria. The initiative builds on the Seattle Declaration, an agreement aimed at revitalizing the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) policy. The challenge seeks to encourage state governors to increase funding for primary healthcare and improve infrastructure and human resources in health centers.
Governor Fubara, in a statement following the award, expressed pride in the achievement, emphasizing that the recognition will further motivate the government to strengthen and expand primary healthcare in the state. "This award and national recognition will undoubtedly enable us to intensify our efforts to improve the quality and accessibility of primary healthcare in Rivers State, aligning with our #Health4AllRivers strategy toward Universal Health Coverage," he said.
The Governor also reflected on a significant moment from the previous year when he signed the Presidential Compact for Nigeria's health sector renewal alongside other state governors and the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum. "This award and recognition clearly demonstrate our commitment to that compact," he added, reaffirming the administration's dedication to providing quality healthcare services and improving public health for the people of Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, also expressed gratitude for the continued support from Governor Fubara. She credited the administration’s people-centred policies for providing the foundation for the health sector's transformation. "With the ongoing support of the Governor, the health sector in Rivers State is poised for significant improvements, ensuring that healthcare services are affordable and accessible to all," Dr. Oreh said.
