Kogi Celebrates World Health Day 2026, Promotes Science-Based Healthcare and Expands Primary Health Centres
Kogi State marks World Health Day with awareness walk, free screenings, and renewed commitment to science-driven healthcare, partnerships, and expanded primary health services.
LOKOJA
The Kogi State Ministry of Health on Tuesday joined the global community to commemorate the 2026 World Health Day, with a strong call for unity, scientific innovation, and collaborative action to improve healthcare delivery across the state.
The event, held in line with this year’s theme, “Together for Health: Stand With Science,” featured a series of activities aimed at raising public awareness on the critical role of science in achieving better health outcomes.
As part of the commemoration, health officials, stakeholders, and residents participated in a road walk across Lokoja. The awareness procession commenced from the State Ministry of Health headquarters, passed through the Government House axis and the Post Office area, before returning to its starting point.
The exercise was designed to sensitise the public on the intersection of science and healthcare, particularly in disease prevention, early diagnosis, and effective treatment.
In addition to the walk, free medical screenings were conducted for residents, focusing on hypertension and tuberculosis as part of efforts to encourage early detection and management of common health conditions.
Speaking at a press briefing to mark the day, the Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, underscored the significance of the global theme, describing science as the foundation of modern healthcare systems.
He noted that advancements in research, diagnostics, and treatment have continued to shape improved health outcomes, but stressed that collaboration remains essential in translating scientific progress into real benefits for the population.
“Science plays a central role in healthcare advancement, but its true impact is realised when stakeholders work together. Government, healthcare professionals, researchers, and communities must align their efforts to achieve sustainable health outcomes,” he said.
Dr. Adeiza highlighted ongoing efforts by the state government, under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, to strengthen the health sector through strategic partnerships and increased investment. According to him, these efforts are focused on improving service delivery and ensuring broader access to quality healthcare for residents.
He revealed that the state has recorded measurable progress through the adoption of data-driven policies, enhanced health information systems, and collaboration with development partners.
The commissioner further disclosed that more than 150 Primary Healthcare Centres are currently undergoing revitalisation across the 21 local government areas of the state, with several already completed and others nearing completion.
He added that the state is also scaling up its health insurance scheme to accommodate more residents, a move aimed at promoting universal health coverage and reducing out-of-pocket medical expenses.
Despite the gains, Dr. Adeiza acknowledged persistent challenges, including limited access to healthcare in rural communities, shortage of skilled health personnel, and the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases.
To address these issues, he called for deeper collaboration across sectors, increased public trust in scientific solutions, and sustained investment in local research and innovation. He stressed that healthcare advancements must be inclusive and accessible to all segments of the population.
Dr. Adeiza reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to building a resilient and responsive healthcare system capable of meeting the evolving needs of residents across the state.
Representatives of key development partners, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and the Nigerian Red Cross Society, in their goodwill messages, pledged continued support and collaboration with the Kogi State Government to enhance healthcare delivery and promote a healthier society.
The World Health Day celebration in Kogi State reflects a broader commitment to aligning local health priorities with global best practices, with stakeholders emphasising that sustained partnership and science-driven approaches remain critical to achieving long-term health goals.