The Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adaeze Oreh, has renewed her call for better child health services in schools. Speaking at a recent event in Abuja, Dr. Oreh stressed the urgent need to improve healthcare access for school-aged children in the state.
This message was part of the ‘Protect Urban School Children’s Health’ (PUSH) Project, a program led by the Health Policy Research Group at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in partnership with the Rivers State government. The project focuses on children between the ages of five and 17 years and aims to close gaps in current health policies.
Major Gaps in School Health Services
At a National Policy Dialogue in Abuja, Dr. Oreh presented findings from detailed research on Nigeria’s school health services. The study revealed serious problems affecting millions of school children.
While national policies suggest that schools should work closely with nearby primary healthcare centers, this is often not happening. Many schools still lack basic health services, putting students at risk.
“We found several challenges, including poor access to healthcare services for children, weak support for adolescent health, and unsafe school environments,” said Dr. Oreh. She also mentioned a growing reliance on informal healthcare providers, which can be unsafe and unreliable.
Key Problems Highlighted
According to the research, the most pressing issues include:
- Limited healthcare services within schools
- Few adolescent-friendly health programs
- Shortages of trained healthcare workers
- Insufficient funding and weak leadership
- High cases of unchecked child abuse
- Unsafe and unhealthy school environments
Dr. Oreh explained that these problems are holding back the health and development of over 65 million school-aged children across Nigeria.
A Call for Stronger Partnerships
To tackle these challenges, Dr. Oreh emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between schools and health centers. She said the PUSH Project is designed to bring together different groups, including:
- Religious leaders
- Members of the Children’s Parliament
- Academics
- Government officials from health, education, and social services
“The PUSH initiative is a step-by-step plan to transform child health services in Rivers State,” said Dr. Oreh. “It’s about making sure every child, no matter where they live, can get the care they need.”
A Step Toward a Healthier Future
Dr. Oreh also shared her personal commitment to the project. “My leadership and passion for child health are steps toward securing a healthier future for the youth of Rivers State,” she said.
She added that the National School Health Policy needs urgent updates to match the current realities children face in schools today. Improved funding, more trained health workers, and better cooperation between schools and healthcare providers were listed as top priorities.
Why This Matters
Experts say that good health is key to a child’s ability to learn and grow. Unsafe school environments and poor access to healthcare can lead to problems like:
- Chronic illnesses
- Mental health issues
- Increased absenteeism
- Lower academic performance
Dr. Oreh’s push for policy reform highlights the need for a safer, healthier learning environment for Nigerian children.
Next Steps for Rivers State
The Rivers State government, through the PUSH Project, plans to:
- Review existing health policies
- Improve healthcare delivery in schools
- Train more healthcare workers
- Work with parents, teachers, and community leaders
- Monitor and evaluate school health programs regularly
By addressing these areas, officials hope to create safer schools and healthier futures for children in Rivers State.
