Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board

On this World Hand Hygiene Day, we’re reminded that one of the simplest actions we take can have the biggest impact on our health.

Hand hygiene is more than a routine, it’s a powerful tool for preventing infections, protecting our loved ones, and strengthening our health systems.

Let’s make clean hands a daily habit, not just a moment, because healthier communities start with you.

On April 28, 2026, the Department of Medical Services, Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), organized a one-day Integrated Orientation for Medical Officers of Health across the state.

The workshop was attended by the Executive Secretary, Dr Chituru Adele, Directors of RSPHCMB, staff of the Medical Services Department, and 23 Medical Officers of Health from across the 23 LGAs.

The orientation provided a practical and integrated approach to strengthening the role of Medical Officers of Health in planning, supervision, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of public health services, ensuring quality and efficient service delivery.

In his remarks, the Executive Secretary, Dr Chituru Adele, emphasized the importance of facility readiness and effective human resource management in delivering quality health services. He called on Medical Officers of Health to strengthen oversight of facility conditions and staff performance to ensure consistent, safe, and efficient service delivery.

He also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve accountability and system efficiency through the rollout of Electronic Medical Records across facilities, alongside the distribution of laptops to support digital health operations across the 23 LGAs.

Key sessions also covered expectations from leadership, roles and responsibilities, the minimum service package (including medical equipment and human resources for health), and service delivery across different levels of primary health care facilities. The Director of Medical Services, Dr. Tonye Franklyn Lawson-Jack, was also officially introduced during the workshop.

Following the training, the Medical Officers of Health are now better positioned to strengthen supervision and coordination, improve the implementation and monitoring of health services, support cleaner and more functional health facilities, and apply more integrated approaches to planning, reporting, and service delivery.

Happy Labour Day!

Today, we celebrate the dedication, resilience, and impact of workers everywhere who keep our communities moving forward.

At RSPHCMB, we take special pride in our incredible health workers, your commitment to delivering quality care, often under challenging conditions, continues to strengthen the health and well-being of our communities.

Your efforts do not go unnoticed. Your service truly matters. You remain at the heart of public health progress.

Thank you for all you do, today and every day. Keep leading with compassion and purpose.

2-Day Training on Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV)

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is more than a personal crisis—it is a critical public health and human rights issue that affects individuals, families, and entire communities.

This 2-day training, held from 20th to 21st, was focused on one goal: delivering care that truly puts survivors first.

Through the leadership of Dr. Chituru Adele and the sustained efforts of RSPHCMB, the number of Primary Health Care Centers equipped to manage SGBV cases has grown from 4 to 22. That’s not just growth, it’s access, hope, and protection.

This means more survivors can now access care when and where they need it most. Because in moments of crisis, access can make all the difference.

At these facilities, survivors receive comprehensive, survivor-centered care.

With trained personnel providing trauma-informed counseling and continuous psychosocial support, survivors are not just treated—they are supported through recovery with dignity and compassion.

And we don’t stop at the clinic doors.

Through strong referral systems, survivors are connected to legal support, safe spaces, and social services, ensuring protection, justice, and a path forward without stigma.

We are calling on individuals, partners, and communities to help amplify this message, so that every resident across Rivers State knows that help is available, accessible, and confidential.

Ending SGBV requires all of us.
To speak up.
To support survivors.
To challenge harmful norms.

Everyone deserves to feel safe, and to be protected.

We remain committed to providing comprehensive, survivor-centered care across all primary healthcare facilities.

Ministerial Oversight Committee Visit to Rivers State

From April 13th–17th, 2026, the Ministerial Oversight Committee on Basic Health Care Provision from the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare visited Rivers State to see firsthand how health programs are being implemented and how BHCPF-supported facilities are performing.

During the visit, the team connected with key stakeholders in the state’s health sector, including officials from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, Primary Health Care Management Board, Health Insurance Agency, Emergency Medical Services, and the Project Implementation Unit. These conversations provided an opportunity for honest feedback, collaboration, and shared goals for improving health care delivery.

The Committee visited six BHCPF-supported health facilities across the three senatorial districts of Rivers State, covering Eleme, Asari Toru, Port Harcourt, and Obio Akpor LGAs. During these visits, the team:
• Assessed health service delivery and infrastructure
• Engaged with health workers to understand challenges and successes
• Reviewed patient care and health outcomes
• Evaluated financial management systems and service utilization

It was a valuable opportunity to better understand both the progress made and the challenges still being faced on the ground.

What stood out most was the dedication of health workers and the visible improvements in some facilities, especially in infrastructure, staffing, and patient care, driven by BHCPF support.

The visit wrapped up with a debrief session with the Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, where key insights and recommendations were shared to further strengthen health services across the state.

Day 2: Capacity Building for Laboratory Scientists & Technicians

Day 2 of the training focused on confronting the real issues affecting service delivery in Primary Healthcare Centres, moving beyond theory to practical accountability and improved performance.

The presence of the Executive Secretary, Dr Chituru Adele, set the tone for the day. He emphasized the importance of the training and reinforced the expectations for laboratory professionals across the state. He highlighted their critical role in patient outcomes, noting that the work requires discipline, empathy, and a high level of professionalism. He charged participants to uphold the highest standards in their conduct and practice, emphasizing that accuracy in laboratory services is non-negotiable, as any lapse can impact the entire healthcare system. He also pointed to ongoing progress with the rollout of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) in about 50 facilities, a key step toward strengthening accountability, improving efficiency, and enhancing data management across PHCs.

Facilitators emphasized accountability and professionalism, highlighting that beyond maintaining clean laboratories, BHCPF funds must be properly utilized to meet community health needs while addressing gaps such as absenteeism, poor patient care, illegal charges, and unethical practices.

Dr Nnesochi Offor further reinforced the importance of efficiently using available resources while maintaining standards and operating within approved laboratory services.

The day concluded with hands-on practical training using the Accu-Isaw Multi Monitoring System, a versatile device capable of testing blood glucose, cholesterol, uric acid, and haemoglobin quickly.

Day 2 reinforced a clear message, accountability, professionalism, and quality service are non-negotiable in delivering effective healthcare.

2-Day Capacity Building for Laboratory Scientists and Technicians in Rivers State

A 2-day capacity-building training was successfully held for laboratory scientists and technicians, focusing on strengthening laboratory diagnostic services in Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and improving the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF). The training was facilitated by Dr Emmanuel Mustapha, Dr Amefule Princewill, and Dr Gift Oguzor.

The training commenced with impactful insights from Dr Gift Oguzor, who emphasized the importance of attending to every patient promptly and without bias. He noted that regardless of insurance status, every patient deserves accurate testing, proper documentation, and timely results, as laboratory outcomes remain critical to guiding clinical decisions. Participants were reminded to consistently adhere to standard operating procedures, ensuring that even routine tests like urinalysis are conducted accurately and reliably.

The sessions also highlighted the significance of the National Health Act (2014) in advancing universal health coverage, ensuring that access to quality healthcare is not determined by location. Through the BHCPF, PHCs are better positioned to deliver essential services including antenatal care, immunization, health promotion, laboratory services, eye care, and emergency response, with the overall goal of improving service delivery and making healthcare accessible to all residents in Rivers State.

In her remarks, Dr Nnesochi Offor described the laboratory as a critical unit within primary healthcare facilities and encouraged participants to carry out necessary tests promptly while upholding professional responsibility. Reinforcing this, Dr Gift Oguzor described the laboratory as a key pillar in healthcare delivery, noting that test results are not just numbers but vital tools that support accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Participants were also encouraged to strengthen collaboration within their facilities through regular meetings, ensure proper management and accountability of generated revenue and BHCPF funds, and maintain clean, well-organized laboratory environments. Emphasis was also placed on preparedness to deliver services effectively, even in challenging conditions.

Dr Barinem Mary Dimkpa facilitated a session on the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), further emphasizing the importance of accessible and affordable healthcare for all residents. She also highlighted the role of emotional intelligence in patient care, reminding participants that quality service extends beyond diagnostics to how patients are treated and engaged.

The training concluded with intensive hands-on practical sessions, where participants gained experience in conducting Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs), pregnancy tests, and HIV screening using appropriate tools and techniques. Hepatitis B and HIV test kits were distributed to support practical demonstrations and skill development.

This training represents more than just knowledge sharing; it reflects a strong commitment to improving healthcare delivery across Rivers State—strengthening systems, enhancing capacity, and ensuring better outcomes for every patient.

World Health Day 2026

At the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, we believe that every healthy beginning lays the foundation for a brighter and more hopeful future. This , we remain committed to delivering accessible, affordable, and quality primary healthcare to every resident of Rivers State.

Why it matters:
• Healthy mothers and children build stronger communities
• Early interventions support lifelong well-being
• Preventive care creates a healthier tomorrow

Join us in promoting:
* Regular health check-ups
* Immunization and proper nutrition for children
* Maternal and antenatal care
* Healthy lifestyles for all ages

Together, let’s build a healthier Rivers State for today and the future.

Visit your nearest primary healthcare center and take charge of your health!

Rivers State Strengthens Primary Healthcare Delivery at 1st Quarter 2026 BHCPF Gateway Forum

The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) successfully hosted the 1st Quarter 2026 Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) Gateway Forum at its headquarters in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, 31st March 2026, reinforcing its commitment to improving access to quality primary healthcare services across Rivers State.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders and implementing partners across the four BHCPF gateways—REMSAS, RSPHCMB, NCDC, and RIVCHPP, alongside representatives from the Ministry of Health, NHIA, WHO, Corona Management System, CHAI, and other partners, to review progress, strengthen coordination, and improve primary healthcare service delivery in the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Dede Seiyeofori commended stakeholders for their continued dedication to the successful implementation of the BHCPF. He further emphasized collaboration, accountability, and data-driven decision-making as essential to achieving universal health coverage. Participants were encouraged to openly share experiences to identify gaps and develop practical solutions.

The Executive Secretary/CEO of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, highlighted the importance of the forum in improving healthcare services for enrollees. She noted that the platform enables stakeholders to assess performance, address gaps, and implement effective strategies. She also announced plans to commence Phase 2 BHCPF enrolment at the facility level, with NIN integration to expand coverage.

Stakeholders, including representatives from the Ministry of Health, NCDC, NHIA, WHO, CHAI, and other partners, described the forum as a vital platform for evaluating progress and strengthening healthcare delivery, especially for vulnerable populations.

Representatives of the various BHCPF implementing gateways delivered detailed presentations on first-quarter activities, highlighting achievements, challenges, and strategic priorities moving forward.

In his presentation, BHCPF Focal Person, Dtn. Gift Oguzor, outlined key achievements, including prompt DFF payments, quality of care assessments, data collection and reviews, PHC assessments for expansion, capacity building, and regular stakeholder engagements.

Discussions focused on facility performance, quality of care, data management, capacity building for healthcare workers, and expanding services to underserved communities. Participants also identified gaps and proposed actionable strategies to improve efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

The forum continues to serve as a critical coordination platform, ensuring effective utilization of BHCPF resources to improve maternal, child, and overall health outcomes in Rivers State.

RSPHCMB reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening partnerships and ensuring access to affordable, equitable, and quality healthcare for all residents.

The Special Services Unit of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board successfully held a three-day review meeting with Heads of Facilities (OICs) and Medical Officers of Health (MOsH) across all 23 Local Government Areas of the state from March 23–25, 2026.

In attendance were: the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Chituru Adele; the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme, Dr. Vetty Agala; Directors of RSPHCMB; the Head of Medical Services of RIVCHPP; as well as 229 Officers-in-Charge (OICs) and 23 Medical Officers of Health (MOsH) from the 23 LGAs. The sessions were held at the RSPHCMB Conference Hall.

Presentations were delivered by:
Dr. Nnesochi Offor – Head, Special Services Unit
Dr. Prince Abueh – Head, Requisition
Dr. Uzoma Ogbuku – Head, Supervision

Key Focus Areas
Review of Q3 2025 Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS) alongside Q1 2026 performance
Assessment of routine supportive supervision coverage
Evaluation of facility-level operations and requisition patterns
Identification of key achievements, challenges, and strategies for improvement

The discussions provided a comprehensive overview of facility readiness, infrastructure, compliance, and operational performance across the LGAs.
The Executive Secretary of RIVCHPP highlighted critical challenges affecting service delivery, particularly for RIVCHPP clients. Directors also shared departmental insights, while an interactive session enabled OICs and MOsH to raise field-based concerns and contribute to practical solutions.

The meeting reinforced a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare systems and improving service delivery outcomes across Rivers State.