For dis World Health Day, Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara don come out to talk say im administration dey fully committed to make health sector for di state better. But as di governor dey yarn dis promise, residents of Elele Alimini for Emohua Local Government Area dey cry say dem no get any functional hospital for dia area at all.
Findings show say di only public health facility wey suppose serve Elele Alimini don dey abandoned for years. Di place don turn to something else—dilapidated, with critical infrastructure wey hoodlums don vandalise finish. Di paramount ruler of di community, Eze Peter Wagbara, talk say dem don beg authorities, even di State House of Assembly, to come fix di hospital, but nothing don happen. “Di hospital remain unattended to, inactive and overgrown with weeds. Na real wahala,” im yarn.
For di community side, di matter don cause serious hardship, especially for women. Dem dey complain say to access medical care don become hard hard. Sick people dey forced to travel long distance to Choba or Ahoada—journey wey fit take one hour, thirty minutes by motor. Elder for di community, Hyginus Opaka, describe di situation as dire. “Na serious matter for vulnerable people like pregnant women wey need to travel far for antenatal care. When di hospital con spoil, people just start to dey vandalise am,” im talk.
Anoda community leader add say residents dey rely on private health facilities now, but dem too cost money. “We need nearby functional hospital,” im stress.
Meanwhile, Governor Fubara, for im World Health Day goodwill message, pledge say im go prioritise initiatives wey go guarantee access to quality and affordable healthcare for all Rivers people. Im urge citizens to adopt healthy lifestyles, maintain proper hygiene, and take preventive measures against diseases. Im also emphasise di role of communities for promoting health awareness.
“On dis World Health Day, I extend warm greetings to all Rivers people. Our administration remain committed to improving healthcare delivery, with focus on accessibility and affordability for all,” Fubara talk.
According to statement from im Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi, di administration don make some progress. Dem don recruit over 2,000 health workers, revitalise several health facilities, and establish health insurance scheme. Di government don revive and expand previously abandoned health facilities, including zonal hospitals for Bori, Omoku, Ahoada and Degema.
Di statement add say 153 Primary Healthcare Centres don remodelled across di state to enhance service delivery. Over 400 staff of Rivers State University Teaching Hospital don get promotion, and additional 500 personnel don recruit to strengthen workforce.
Fubara talk say im goal na to make Rivers State health tourism hub, provide accessible and affordable healthcare.
World Health Day na global health awareness event wey dem dey observe every April 7. Dis year theme na “Together for health. Stand with science,” wey emphasise importance of scientific research, collaboration, and evidence-based solutions for improving global health.
On di oda hand, Permanent Secretary for Ministry of Health, Professor Justina Jumbo, don call on residents to prioritise science-driven healthcare practices. Im talk say health na collective responsibility wey require commitment of individuals, communities and governments.
“Dis important day remind us say health no be just personal matter but shared responsibility,” Jumbo yarn. Im highlight role of science for advancing healthcare, noting say vaccines, medicines and public health measures don reduce disease burden globally.
Im caution say benefits of dese advancements fit only fully realise when people rely on accurate information and make informed health decisions. Embracing science involve listening to trained professionals, adhering to proven guidelines and rejecting misinformation.
Jumbo disclose say state government under Governor Fubara don strengthen healthcare system by engaging newly trained professionals across key health institutions to better serve residents. Im encourage public to seek proper medical care and make health facilities first point of call when health challenges occur.
Im outline practical steps for healthy living: regular handwashing, vaccination, balanced nutrition, physical activity and routine medical checkups. Im warn against unhealthy habits like tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and drug abuse.
On di matter of false health information wey dey spread, im advise residents to depend only on credible sources. “Avoid misinformation, especially from non-verified social media sources. Always confirm health advice with professionals,” im talk.
Im emphasise importance of community effort for promoting public health, saying collective action fit significantly reduce spread of diseases and improve quality of life.
“Let us stand informed. Let us stand with science. Together, we fit build healthier future,” Professor Jumbo conclude.
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