
The Rivers State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh has applauded the Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) for the commendable work being done to support the health and development of the people of Ogoni land.
Oreh gave the commendation when she paid a courtesy visit to the HYPREP office with the aim to strengthen partnership between the organisation and the state government.
She said, “the main purpose of this visit was initially to express our gratitude to HYPREP for the commendable work being done to support the health and development of the people of Ogoni land. Through our discussions today, we have learned much more about HYPREP’s contributions and efforts than we previously knew, especially about the Cottage Hospital and Specialist Hospital projects.
“In alignment with the Rivers State Government’s health agenda, one of our key pillars is ensuring accessibility to quality healthcare for our people. Accessibility encompasses both geographical and financial aspects. HYPREP’s soon-to-be-commissioned Cottage and Specialist Hospitals in Ogoni land will greatly improve access to quality healthcare services in the area”.
The Commissioner stated that from the Rivers State Government’s side, through the Ministry of Health and the Hospitals Management Board, “we are committed to assisting HYPREP in ensuring these facilities deliver the quality services envisioned. Specifically, we discussed the deployment of skilled health professionals to the Cottage Hospital following its commissioning and formal handover.
“Regarding the Specialist Hospital, we await the strategic and operational framework from HYPREP’s Governing Council. Once outlined, we will align closely to support its successful operation.
“It is essential to emphasize that the Rivers State Ministry of Health is keen to work with HYPREP to ensure that the people of Ogoni land are not left behind in our broader pursuit of ‘health for all Rivers people’, which is a key component of His Excellency Governor Fubara’s healthcare agenda for the state.
On his part, HYPREP Project Coordinator, Prof. Nenibarini Zabbey stated that, the collaboration was pertinent as HYPREP alone could not fully address the healthcare needs of Ogoni land.
“From the outset, the Ministry of Health has been an integral stakeholder in our framework. We have strengthened four hospitals in Ogoni land and are currently developing the Ogoni Specialist Hospital and the Bodo Cottage Hospital.
“I also informed the Honorable Commissioner today about the launch of a comprehensive public health study in Ogoni land this year. This study, led by the World Health Organization (WHO), will span three years and explore the relationship between hydrocarbon contamination and public health outcomes. We will need the support of the Rivers State Ministry of Health to undertake this important study.
“Additionally, we discussed findings from our ongoing medical outreach programs in Ogoni. These initiatives have revealed a notable prevalence of visual impairments among residents. I have requested the Honorable Commissioner to consider deploying eye care specialists to address these challenges.
We are committed to working collaboratively to provide robust and sustainable health solutions for the people of Ogoni land.
“For instance, the Bori Water Project will supply portable water to seven communities. By the end of this year, we anticipate that about 70 additional communities in Ogoni will have access to portable water.
“We remain focused on our mission to deliver sustainable, effective public health and development solutions for Ogoni and the surrounding communities”, he said.