Kogi Ministry of Health Holds Road Walk To Mark 2026 World Health Day

The Kogi State Ministry of Health, on Tuesday, joined the rest of the world to mark Twenty Twenty six World Health Day, with a call for unity in advancing healthcare through science and collaboration.

As part of activities marking the day, a road Walk Show was staged in Lokoja which started at the Ministry in Lokoja passing through Government House to the post office before returning to the Ministry.

The road walk was aimed at creating awareness about the link between science and health in achieving a healthy society.

Other activities include screening for hypertension and Tuberculosis.

Speaking at a News briefing in commemoration of the day, the Kogi State Coordinating Commissioner for Health, Doctor Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, highlighted the importance of this year’s theme, “Together for Health, Stand With Science.”

He noted that science remains the backbone of progress in healthcare, from disease prevention to improved treatment and diagnostics.

The Commissioner explained that the real power of science lies in collaboration, emphasizing the need for government, healthcare professionals, researchers, and communities to work together in improving public health outcomes.

He stated that under the leadership of Governor Usman Ahmed Ododo, Kogi State has continued to prioritize partnerships in health investments.

According to him, this approach is aimed at strengthening the health system, improving service delivery, and ensuring that citizens have better access to quality healthcare.

Doctor Adeiza noted that the state has made significant progress in recent years through evidence-based policies, improved data management, and strategic collaborations and also highlighted ongoing efforts in revitalizing primary healthcare, expanding health insurance coverage, and investing in healthcare infrastructure.

He however acknowledged that challenges still exist, particularly in rural access to healthcare, shortage of skilled health workers, and the burden of both communicable and non-communicable diseases.

To address these issues, the Commissioner called for stronger partnerships across sectors, increased trust in science, support for local research and innovation, and a commitment to ensuring that scientific advancements benefit every citizen.

He also said that over 150 Primary Healthcare Centres are currently being revitalized across the 21 Local Government Areas in the state, with many already completed and others nearing completion. In addition, more residents are being enrolled in the state’s health insurance scheme to promote universal access to quality healthcare.

Doctor Adeiza reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to building a resilient, inclusive, and responsive health system that meets the needs of all Kogi residents.

In their goodwill messages, the representatives of World Health Organisation, UNICEF, Nigerian Red Cross Society, among others, called for a sustained collaboration with the ministry at ensuring a healthy society.