The Rivers State Government says the provision of quality healthcare to residents of the state is a major priority for the Governor Siminialayi Fubara-led administration in the state.
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Ordu said this on Saturday during the flag-off ceremony of the distribution of free malaria commodities at the Comprehensive Health Center in Oyigbo Local Government Area of the state.
Professor Ngozi Ordu said the vision of the State Governor is to change the narrative in the health sector.
The State Deputy Governor who described malaria as a disease that has plagued humanity and devastated communities, especially in the sub-Sahara Africa, called for a sustainable collaboration between various stakeholders and partnership groups to enhance collective interventions to ensure the reduction of malaria burden in the state.
She further said that the recent launch of the Health Insurance Scheme by the state government would provide access to affordable healthcare services to Rivers people.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, Dr Adaeze Oreh said that the flag-off of the distribution of free malaria commodities initiative marks a significant milestone in the ongoing fight against malaria for the safety of expatriates, investors, and residents in the state.
She commended stakeholders and development partners for their support in the fight against malaria in the state
Doctor Oreh said Governor Siminalayi Fubara is committed to ensuring that every individual has access to effective prevention and treatment of malaria which has culminated in the distribution of free commodities in all medical facilities across the state.
Earlier in his goodwill message, the Representative of the World Health Organization, Professor Babatunde Olushiye commended the Rivers State Government for the giant strides recorded in the health sector.
He stressed that the flag-off ceremony of the free commodities distribution is a testament to the commitment of the state government to ensure the eradication of malaria in the state.
Professor Olushiye who underscored the collaborative efforts amongst development partners and the state government to stamp out malaria and other preventable diseases in the state also assured the government of its sustained support to reduce the scourge of malaria in the state.
Our correspondent reports that various government functionaries, Traditional Rulers, medical practitioners’ development partners graced the event.
