The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has called for deeper collaboration between the state government and traditional institutions to strengthen healthcare delivery across all communities.
She made the appeal on Monday while addressing the Rivers State Council of Traditional Rulers at their combined 123rd and 124th General Meeting at the Council Secretariat.
Oreh noted that traditional rulers remain indispensable partners in mobilising citizens, promoting trust in public health interventions, and encouraging the uptake of essential services such as immunisation and maternal and child healthcare.
She briefed the monarchs on the state’s community health initiatives currently running across the 23 local government areas and urged them to sustain advocacy within their domains to improve access to primary healthcare.
The Commissioner also highlighted the recently introduced home-based care programme, which commenced in September in six local government areas—Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Andoni, Bonny, Emohua and Etche. She explained that the initiative was designed to provide timely community-level support and reduce preventable health complications.
During the interactive session, traditional rulers from municipalities such as Degema, Khana, Obio Akpor and Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni delivered both commendations and concerns regarding health service delivery in their areas.
Dr. Oreh emphasised that such feedback was essential to shaping a more transparent, accountable and effective health sector.
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to working closely with the traditional institution to build a resilient healthcare system that responds to the needs of citizens.
Dr. Oreh expressed gratitude to Governor Siminialayi Fubara, the Chairman of the Council, His Majesty Eze Chike Worlu-Wodo, DSSRS, and the Commissioner for Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Charles Amadi, for their continued support in strengthening community–government partnerships.
