The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB) has successfully concluded a three-day Capacity Building Workshop on Health Quality, Leadership and Management for senior management staff and key stakeholders in the primary health care sector.
The workshop, implemented under the UNICEF Leadership Challenge Grant earned by Rivers State in recognition of its commitment to strengthening Primary Health Care brought together the Executive Secretary, Dr. Chituru Adele, Directors of the Board, Medical Officers of Health, Deputy Primary Health Care Coordinators, Heads of Units, Programme Managers, selected Heads of High-Volume Primary Health Care Facilities, Directors of Health Planning, Research and Statistics from the Rivers State Ministry of Health, and the Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP), and experts from the African Centre of Excellence for Public Health and Toxicological Research (ACE-PUTOR), University of Port Harcourt led by the centre Director, Prof. Daprim Ogaji.
The workshop was also graced by the UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Abba Zakari Umar, accompanied by Mrs Elohor Michael-Ezeh, Programme Associate, UNICEF, whose presence reaffirmed UNICEF's unwavering commitment to supporting health systems strengthening in Rivers State.
Over the course of three intensive days, participants explored practical strategies for strengthening leadership, improving health care quality, enhancing accountability, promoting data-driven decision-making, fostering teamwork, and institutionalising continuous quality improvement across Primary Health Care facilities in the State.
Speaking during the workshop, the Executive Secretary of RSPHCMB, Dr. Chituru Adele, charged participants to become champions of excellence within the health system.
"Quality health care begins with quality leadership. Every decision we make, every system we strengthen, and every team we inspire ultimately impacts the lives of the people we serve".
Also addressing participants, UNICEF Health Specialist, Dr. Abba Zakari Umar, commended the Rivers State Government and RSPHCMB for prioritising leadership development as a key pillar of health systems strengthening.
"Sustainable improvements in Primary Health Care depend on capable leaders who can inspire teams, drive quality improvement and ensure that every community has access to safe, equitable and people-centred health services. UNICEF is proud to support Rivers State on this journey."
RSPHCMB remains committed to building a resilient, responsive and high-performing Primary Health Care system that delivers quality, accessible and equitable health services to every resident of Rivers State.
Together, we are building stronger leaders, stronger health facilities and a healthier Rivers State.