The Rivers State Community-Based Health Workers (CBHW) Programme Strategy Development Workshop commenced on 3rd August 2026 in Rivers State. The three-day workshop brought together participants from relevant ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), development partners, and other key stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy document and a costed implementation plan for the programme.
The workshop is aimed at establishing a coordinated framework for the effective implementation of the Community-Based Health Workers Programme across the State. It is expected to strengthen the linkage between health interventions at the community level and the people who need them most by leveraging the availability of trained community-based health workers. Through this strategy, Rivers State seeks to improve access to essential primary health care services, enhance community participation, and contribute to better health outcomes for all residents.
In his opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr. Vincent Nwachukwu, who was represented by the Director of Medical Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health, emphasized the need for effective monitoring and supervision of service delivery as the strategy is implemented. He described the initiative as timely and innovative, noting that it would significantly help address the human resource gaps currently experienced at the primary health care level.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board, Dr. Chituru Adele, expressed his enthusiasm for the development of the strategy. He stressed the importance of maintaining clean, functional, and welcoming health facilities to adequately support the increased demand for services that the CBHW Programme is expected to generate. He further described the programme as a practical approach to bridging the human resource gap within the State's primary health care system.
Delivering a goodwill message, the ALGON Chairman and Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Hon. Allwell Ihunda, pledged the commitment of the Local Government Areas to supporting the programme. He assured participants that the LGAs would provide a safe and enabling working environment for Community-Based Health Workers and explore appropriate incentives to motivate and retain them within their respective communities.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Uzoma Ibiyemibari, assured participants of the Ministry's continued commitment to supporting well-developed and budgeted health initiatives. She reaffirmed that all budgeted plans for the programme would receive due consideration in line with the State's development priorities.
The workshop is expected to produce a robust strategy document and a costed implementation plan that will guide the rollout of the Community-Based Health Workers Programme across Rivers State. The successful implementation of the strategy is anticipated to strengthen community-based service delivery, improve access to quality primary health care, and accelerate progress towards achieving universal health coverage and better health outcomes for the people of Rivers State.