The Rivers State Contributory Health Protection Programme (RIVCHPP) has unveiled plans to enrol pupils in public primary schools across the 23 local government areas of Rivers State into its health insurance scheme, in a move aimed at strengthening access to healthcare for school-age children.
The Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of RIVCHPP, Dr. Vetty Agala, disclosed this during an advocacy visit to the Chairman and management of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in Port Harcourt on Thursday, February 12, 2026.
Agala said the initiative was driven by growing concerns over the health status of children in the state, particularly amid rising cases of chronic malnutrition.
“Recently, the state recorded a high level of chronically malnourished children. As an agency, we are willing and ready to collaborate with relevant stakeholders to ensure that our children remain healthy and able to learn effectively,” she said.
She explained that the programme would not only cover pupils but also extend to teachers and non-teaching staff under SUBEB, urging the board to facilitate their enrolment into the scheme.
According to her, enrollees would have access to comprehensive healthcare services across accredited facilities in the state.
Agala also acknowledged the role played by SUBEB Chairman, Hon. Sam Ogeh, in the legislative process that culminated in the establishment of RIVCHPP in 2019, when he served as Chairman of the House Committee on Health in the State Assembly.
She assured that with sustained investment and commitment by the state government in the health sector, beneficiaries of the scheme would continue to receive quality medical services in designated facilities across Rivers State.
In his response, the Chairman of SUBEB, Hon. Sam Ogeh, commended the performance of RIVCHPP, describing health insurance as a strategic pathway to broadening healthcare access.
While pledging the board’s readiness to partner with the agency to ensure seamless implementation in public primary schools, he urged RIVCHPP to scale up advocacy and sensitisation campaigns to boost awareness, especially among vulnerable groups.
Ogeh said the proposed collaboration holds significant promise for improving the wellbeing of pupils and education personnel, thereby enhancing learning outcomes across the state.
The visit also featured the presentation of promotional materials by the RIVCHPP team to the board as part of ongoing efforts to deepen public awareness and participation in the scheme.
