By: Felix Ikpotor
Rivers State Government has urged residents tthe state to go for regular Check-up and to rely only on prescribed treatments for all ailments.
The State Ministry of Health made the call in a statement to mark the 2026 World Health Day and signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Prof. Christiana Jumbo.
The government also urged residents to rely on health updates from institutions such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Council for Disease Control (NCDC) and other verified media outlets.
To stay healthy, Jumbo said practical actions that are scientifically tested and proven to work, such as washing hands regularly with soap and clean water for at least 20 seconds, using hand sanitizers when soap is not available and covering of mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing should be applied.
”Ensure that children receive all routine vaccinations, eating a variety of foods, reducing salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, including drinking of safe and clean water.
”Engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days, reducing long period of sitting, regular health check-ups, follow prescribed treatment properly. Avoid tobacco and smoking. Limit alcohol consumption. Stay away from harmful drugs, ” she added.
She also recommended sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito net to prevent malaria, drinking clean and safe water; maintaining proper sanitation and waste disposal, stress management through rest, realization, and social support.
Speaking on the year’s theme; “Together for Health. Stand with Science,” the permanent secretary urged individuals, families, communities and governments to work collaboratively and rely on scientific knowledge to improve their health well-being, noting; “science has helped us achieve remarkable progress in healthcare from vaccines that protect our children to medicines that treat diseases and public health practices that prevent outbreaks. “
She emphasized that the benefits science can only reach everyone when they trust accurate information and make informed decisions.
”Standing with science means listening to trained health professionals, following proven health guidelines, rejecting misinformation and harmful myths, and supporting vaccination, hygiene, and preventable care, ” she said.
In Rivers State, Jumbo noted that the Ministery of Health under the leadership of the governor, Sir Siminialayi Fubara has employed recently trained health professionals in Rivers State University Teaching Hospital and Hospital Management Board to attend to the health needs of the citizenry, urging residents to make the health centres, their first point of call, whenever health challenges occur.
She used the occasion to call for support for health workers whom she said are dedicating their lives to save others.
