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Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day

Rivers State, Nigeria — As part of the activities marking the first commemoration of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day, themed “Health: It’s on the Government,” the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) successfully organized a health walk and outreach program aimed at promoting inclusiveness and raising awareness about universal health coverage. 

In her opening remarks, Dr. Vetty Agala, Acting Secretary of RIVCHPP, reiterated the organization’s steadfast commitment to ensuring that every resident of Rivers State has equitable access to quality healthcare without the burden of financial hardship.

“Universal health coverage is not a destination but a continuous journey,” Dr. Agala stated. “Together, we must remain steadfast in our efforts to ensure health for all.”

Dr. Agala lauded the visionary leadership of the State Governor, His Excellency Sir Dr. Siminalayi Fubara, whose #Health4AllRivers agenda is transforming the health sector. She also commended the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Chidinma Oreh, for her innovative initiatives that are driving sustainable and transformative change across the state’s health sector.

Highlighting the achievements of the program, Dr. Agala noted that over 62,000 residents are currently enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund. This initiative enables access to healthcare services across both public and private facilities, providing financial protection and empowering vulnerable populations with quality healthcare services.

The Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, reaffirmed her ministry’s dedication to ensuring financial risk protection for all, particularly the most vulnerable residents of the state. She emphasized her commitment to maintaining ethical standards and advancing health sector reforms to achieve sustainable progress.

The outreach program featured free medical assistance for some of the state’s poorest and most disabled residents, demonstrating the government’s unwavering focus on inclusivity and its determination to leave no one behind in the journey toward universal health coverage.