Rivers State Government has underscored the imperative of adopting data-driven strategies to reposition its health sector, with a strong focus on strengthening the healthcare workforce.
Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, made this known at a High-Level Health Labour Market Analysis (HLMA) advocacy meeting held at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Wednesday.
She stressed that sustainable health sector reforms must be anchored on accurate and timely data, noting that the HLMA framework provides critical insights into employment trends, skill gaps, workforce needs, and emerging opportunities within the health ecosystem.
According to her, the initiative also promotes inclusive growth by identifying vulnerable populations and enabling targeted interventions that equip youths, women, and marginalised groups with relevant skills.
Odu reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to evidence-based decision-making in reshaping the state’s healthcare system.
She said the administration’s Health4AllRivers Strategy reflects a comprehensive agenda focused on access, medical commodities, health security, financing, data management, and governance.
The deputy governor added that the state had already employed 2,000 health workers as part of efforts to bridge workforce gaps and improve service delivery.
She commended the Federal Ministry of Health for selecting Rivers State for the HLMA Technical Assistance Programme, describing the state as a model among its peers.
She also acknowledged the support of development partners, including the Global Fund and the Clinton Health Access Initiative, as well as the contributions of former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh.
Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Prof. Justina Jumbo, described the meeting as a critical step towards strengthening governance, planning, and management of the health workforce. She disclosed that more than half of the state’s health personnel are deployed at the primary healthcare level, while about 30 per cent are in tertiary institutions, with fewer in the private sector.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. John Okobia said Rivers State emerged as the sole beneficiary of the technical assistance after a rigorous selection process involving all states and the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that the initiative, which began at the federal level, is designed to provide a clear understanding of the supply and demand dynamics of healthcare workers, expressing confidence that it would enhance workforce planning outcomes.
In goodwill messages, representatives of the Clinton Health Access Initiative and the World Health Organization commended the state government’s openness to partnerships aimed at improving public health outcomes.
Also speaking, the State Project Coordinator for HLMA, Dr. Julienne Darlington Nwoke, said the programme is focused on strengthening leadership structures, defining clear objectives, and establishing implementation timelines for effective health workforce management.
She added that the initiative would support the creation of a coordinated framework involving the Ministry of Health, relevant ministries, departments and agencies, and development partners to drive sustainable improvements in the health sector.
