In line with this commitment, the Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), successfully conducted a One-Day Ward Development Committee (WDC) Constitution and Orientation Exercise at Model Primary Health Centre, Okporowo (Ahoada East LGA) on 1st July 2026, and Epellema Primary Health Centre (Opobo/Nkoro LGA) on 6th July 2026.
The initiative forms part of the State Government’s commitment to strengthening community ownership of Primary Health Care services and promoting active citizen participation in the implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), a key vehicle for advancing Universal Health Coverage in Nigeria.
The orientation brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including traditional rulers, community leaders, women and youth representatives, religious leaders, health workers, community-based organizations, and newly constituted Ward Development Committee members.
The sessions featured experienced health managers and community engagement experts, including Medical Officers of Health, Local Government Area BHCPF Focal Persons, existing Ward Development Committee members, and the BHCPF State Implementation Team, who provided practical guidance on community leadership, Primary Health Care governance, quality improvement, accountability mechanisms, and the critical role of Ward Development Committees in supporting effective health service delivery.
Participants were taken through comprehensive sessions on the objectives of the BHCPF, the roles and responsibilities of Ward Development Committees, community participation in Primary Health Care governance, leadership and teamwork, health promotion, quality improvement, supportive supervision, community mobilization, and monitoring of health facility performance.
Facilitators emphasized that effective Ward Development Committees are indispensable to improving maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health outcomes. Members were encouraged to serve as advocates for healthier communities by promoting antenatal care attendance, skilled birth delivery, routine immunization, proper nutrition, environmental sanitation, disease prevention, and increased utilization of Primary Health Care services.
The committees were constituted through an inclusive and transparent process, ensuring representation from all major stakeholder groups within their respective communities. Members pledged to work collaboratively with health facility managers and Local Government Health Authorities to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery, and support the sustainability of BHCPF interventions.
The successful constitution and orientation of the Ward Development Committees mark another important milestone in Rivers State’s efforts to build resilient community health systems, strengthen grassroots participation, and improve health outcomes through the effective implementation of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board remains committed to working closely with communities, development partners, Local Government Health Authorities, and other stakeholders to ensure that every resident has access to equitable, affordable, and quality Primary Health Care services.