Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the healthcare sector and improving access to quality medical services across the state.

Fubara made this known on Tuesday in a message to commemorate World Health Day, assuring residents that his government would continue to prioritise policies aimed at delivering affordable and accessible healthcare.

He urged residents to adopt healthy lifestyles, maintain proper hygiene and take preventive measures against diseases, while stressing the role of communities in promoting health awareness and supporting local initiatives.

The governor said his administration had recorded progress in the sector, including the recruitment of over 2,000 health workers, rehabilitation of health facilities and the introduction of a health insurance scheme.

He added that the government is working towards positioning Rivers State as a health tourism destination.

Fubara also noted that previously abandoned health facilities, including zonal hospitals in Bori, Omoku, Ahoada and Degema, had been revived and expanded, while 153 primary healthcare centres were remodelled to improve service delivery.

According to him, additional steps taken include the promotion of over 400 staff of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and the recruitment of 500 more personnel to strengthen the workforce.

World Health Day 2026 is marked annually on April 7 to promote global health awareness. This year’s theme, “Together for health, Stand with science,” highlights the importance of research, collaboration and evidence-based approaches, including the One Health concept linking human, animal and environmental health.