Rivers State Government says the planned establishment of a Faculty of Medicine at the State University of Science and Technology is aimed at boosting the manpower development in the health sector.
Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike gave this indication Monday while speaking at the First International Malaria Colloquium 2016, organized by the Centre for Malaria Research and Phytomedicine, University of Port Harcourt in conjunction with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine held in Port Harcourt.
Chief Wike said the Medical School when operational will engage in special area of medical needs of residents of Rivers State and appealed to other higher Institutions in Nigeria to go into further research and proffer solution to the Health issues of the people.
The Governor who was represented by his Deputy Dr. (Mrs) Ipalibo Harry Banigo said the New Rivers Vision of his administration is committed to the provision of quality, accessible and affordable health care to all residents of the State and promised to partner with Organisations interested in the good health of the people.
“Government has over the years made deliberate effort to control malaria scourge in Nigeria through the establishment of Malaria Control Units (MCU), at Ministries of Health across the country.” he stated.
He explained that the malaria Control Unit of the Rivers State Ministry of Health has distributed about 7,553,371 Long Lasting Insecticidal Treated Nets to over 105,007 households in the State between 2008 and 2016 to check the malaria scourge.
The State Chief Executive commended the University of Port Harcourt for establishing the Centre for Malaria Research and Phytomedicine, and giving it the International platform to enhance research work.
Earlier, Vice Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Prof. Ndowa Lale who was represented by Prof. Anthony Ibe, said the Centre was set up in 2001, with the mandate of identifying, evaluating and reviewing Government policies as it concerns the scourge of malaria and its elimination.
In his address, Director Centre for Malaria Research and Phytomedcine, University of Port Harcourt Prof. Chijioke Adonye Nwauche said the forum will afford the centre the opportunity to provide new insights share ideas and make possible recommendations that will be a bench mark for future research in malaria and healthcare delivery.
He noted that given the National focus on malaria elimination, the centre needs to build human capacity in the diagnosis and effective management of malaria in the State, while commending the university authorities for their support towards achieving set objective.
Paul Damgbor
Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
Monday 16th May, 2016.