Ministry of Health Bayelsa State Nigeria

18/08/2025

Referral Hospitals: Prof. Brisibe Intensifies Efforts, Says Ongoing Reforms Will Revamp All Facilities

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health Professor Seiyefa Brisibe has intensified efforts in the Referral Hospitals Management across the State.

Last Thursday, the Ministry of Health initiated a crucial meeting of stakeholders between referral hospitals management and community leaders in Kaiama and other areas.

The Commissioner directed the Hospitals Management Board to re-activate Communities Hospital Management Committees across the State to ensure all government hospitals are well managed to enhance ownership, participation and efficiency and also to support the state government.

Prof. Brisibe stated that the meeting ensures ownership and deepens community participation in running the hospitals for better outcomes as the effort is intended to narrow the communication gap between all health workers and stakeholders.

He reinstated that the Ministry's top priority is to develop, build strong and effective leadership and governance structure around the facilities that will usher resilient and efficient health care service delivery.

The Commissioner, Prof. Brisibe speaking to elders and youths from Kaiama and other communities in his office, also assured that the state government is very much committed to the revamping of all health facilities and most especially the referral hospitals.

He cleared that the recent unbearable situations at the Kaiama Referral Hospital were not as a result of the facility being bad as workers are always on ground, but rather an imbalance on the side of the people in bringing patients to the hospital.

He emphasized greatly on the importance and the need for the people to come very early to hospitals before tragic situations occur. Prof. Brisibe stated that, in as much as the KRH needs a little revamping, so as others across the State.

He assured the people that the ongoing health reforms will revamp all health facilities across the State before time as he recounts how the Ministry under his watch has rehabilitated many facilities across the State since his assumption of office as Commissioner.

Some of the revamped and ongoing projects across the State by the Ministry of Health under the Commissioner includes, King Malla Sasime Medical Center Igbogene(renovated), Special Baby Care Unit Diete Koki Memorial Hospital Opolo, Ofoni 1 Health Center Sagbama LGA, Primary Health Centre Ekeremor main town, Ukubie general hospital (Ongoing), Akaba PHC, Sampou PHC(ongoing), staff quarters Okoloba(ongoing), Primary Health Centre Swali(ongoing), Rehabilitation Centre at Ogbia LGA(ongoing), Sickbay Bayelsa Transport Terminal, and several others across the State.

The Commissioner further used the medium to call on Bayelsans to continue in their support for the governor and his deputy and every other leader who is passionate about the development of the Glory of All Lands.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State
18/8/2025

15/08/2025

Birthday: Bayelsa Health Commissioner Hails Dr. Mrs. Gloria Ebibomo Diri

The Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe has sent warm greetings and wishes to the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Chief, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Ebibomo Diri on the auspicious occasion of her birth anniversary.

Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe described the wife of the governor, Her Excellency Dr. Mrs. Gloria as an exceptional first lady and health champion whose compassion, leadership, and tireless efforts in championing quality healthcare inspire hope and has transformed communities and the State at large.

He said her tireless advocacy for health initiatives, compassion for the vulnerable, and visionary support for life-saving projects have touched countless lives.

The Commissioner, on behalf of the Ministry, wished her more life in good and sound health. He thanked her for support in the development of the state's health sector and workforce.

"May this new year of your life be filled with divine grace, boundless joy, and renewed strength to continue your noble work. You are a true symbol of service, elegance, and kindness. We wish you long life, good health, and greater accomplishments ahead, Prof. Brisibe added.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State.

12/08/2025

Celebrating our 11th year on Facebook. Thank you for your continuing support. We could never have made it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

07/08/2025

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19q7pdu5cN/

06/08/2025

Eye Health Scheme: Prof. Brisibe Congratulates Governor Diri On National Award.

~ says good vision unlocks human potentials, charges States' NMA

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe has congratulated His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State on his recent National Award as the State tops in FG's Eye Health Schemes.

He congratulated the governor during a meeting with the Dept's Directors of the Ministry and members of the States' NMA in his office yesterday.

The Commissioner who represented the state government in receiving the award from the Nigerian Minister for Health, Professor Alli Pate, said that such eye health schemes reduce preventable blindness, especially among vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and rural populations.

He highlighted that good vision unlocks human potentials and on behalf of the Ministry thanked the NNPC Foundation for their free eye surgeries done in collaboration with the Ministry some months ago for the benefit of all Bayelsans.

Prof. Brisibe in a brief interview also stated that eye health schemes improve educational outcomes and reduce the burden on healthcare systems, and prioritizing eye health reflects visionary leadership that values human capital development and inclusive service delivery.

His words, "I was elated to present the award to the governor as it speaks volumes for the good work the governor is doing, health care development involves many hands on deck, it is multidisciplinary and of course we are ready to give our support as a Ministry with collaborative efforts if possible in advancing the general wellbeing of the people of the State".

"By prioritizing eye health, the Governor has demonstrated visionary leadership and a strong commitment to the well-being of citizens".

"We sincerely appreciate the Governor and his deputy for the impactful implementation of eye health schemes, and the distribution of millions of eye glasses, and improving access to quality eye care services for the people" Prof. Brisibe added".

The State's Health Commissioner, Prof. Brisibe also received the Bayelsa State Members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) led by her Chairman, Dr. Izibeya Wilcox as he charged them on unity and endorsed the week-long activities in celebration of the great association.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State.
5/08/2025

04/08/2025

Last week I presented a National Award of Excellence as the topmost State in eye health and medical outreaches by the Federal Ministry of Health to His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State.

The honour was in recognition of the governor and his entire administration's effort in improving the health status of citizens of the state.

The award by the Federal Ministry of Health celebrates the governor’s unwavering support for healthcare initiatives, particularly those targeting preventable blindness and improved access to vision care in the rural areas.

Bayelsa ranked behind the FCT in outreach performance, making it the top performing state among the thirty six(36) States of the Federation.

This award would not have been possible but for the Governor's extraordinary commitment to the leadership and governance of the health sector where he funded medical outreaches with emphasis on health initiatives in very-hard-to-reach areas of the State.

The Governor did not only sponsor but also supported 100% medical outreaches and specialised outreaches that were co-funded by corporate organisations. And fortunately for us, that of the NNPC Foundation, we were able to do 1000 cataract surgeries and all the patients also went home with different eye glasses.

We thank God Almighty for this great honour and as a Ministry, we will continue do put more efforts to support the governor in the development of the Glory of all Land.

God bless Bayelsa State.

~ Professor Seiyefa Brisibe
Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Health Bayelsa State

02/08/2025

Bayelsa Health Commissioner Receives Award Of Distinguished Service

Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State has received a 'Distinguished Service Award in leadership in the health sector' by the South South Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

Bayelsa State recently hosted the South South Caucus of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA). During the caucus meeting, Awards were presented to leaders who had previously served the caucus and demonstrated outstanding contributions within the health sector around the region.

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe was among those recognized with an award.

The States' Health Commissioner received the award in recognition of his significant contributions to the growth of the health sector in Bayelsa State and the overall health system.

The Commissioner was also honored for his past role as Chairman of the NMA Bayelsa State and his previous leadership service within the caucus.

Receiving the award for Distinguished Service in Health Care Development, Prof. Brisibe described it as a great honour.

He said it's a testament to dedicated service, visionary efforts, and impactful contributions toward strengthening the health system.

The Health Commissioner with deep gratitude acknowledged the organizers and stakeholders who recognized his commitment to advancing healthcare standards, infrastructure, and accessibility.

He extended special appreciation to health professionals, partners, and the community whose collaboration and support made the journey fruitful.

His words, "The award serves not just as personal recognition but as a call to continue fostering innovative, inclusive, and sustainable healthcare development that benefits all. It reinforces the importance of good governance, teamwork, and compassion in achieving health goals for the greater good of society.

Prof. Brisibe thanked His Excellency Senator Douye Diri and his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo PhD, for their unanimous decisions and passionate efforts in advancing the health systems to benefit all Bayelsans.

The specific accolade(award) of Distinguished Service bestowed upon the Commissioner by the NMA South South Caucus was brought by Dr. Izibeya Wilcox, the Bayelsa State State's NMA Chairman in the Commissioner's office.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State.
2/08/2025

29/07/2025

BYCOTECH: Prof. Brisibe Pays Working Visit To States' Health College, Lauds Provost

~ applauds gov. diri, governing Council for progress made

The Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe made a working visit to the States' College of Health Technology in Otuogidi at Ogbia local government area, yesterday.

The Commissioner lauded the provost's significant accomplishments in a short timeframe, particularly emphasizing the strengthening of governance and leadership structures, including the appointment of deputies, which he believes is fundamental for achieving positive results.

He thanked the college leadership, partners, and staff for their warm reception, and extended great commendations to, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, the Governing Council for the progress made so far in the development of the Health college.

His words, "I made two previous visits to the college before the current provost's appointment. First, during my sabbatical, managing the Oloibri Health program (a Shell World Bank-supported initiative), where I inspected facilities and advocated for investment. Second, as the Commissioner of Health, I visited to gather baseline data for planning, observing the urgent need for a substantive provost and now we have a working provost".

"On my assumption as Commissioner I advocated for the swift appointment of a substantive provost to fortify the college's governance and leadership and also clarified that my advocacy was for the position itself, and not a specific individual, aiming to empower the college with full authority and a strong structural foundation," he added.

The Provost Dr. Timipa Ogoun Richard, and his team in their remarks, they thanked the commissioner, and every member of the Governing Council, Senator Douye Diri and his deputy for their deliberate efforts in pushing the health sector forward.

The Commissioner also visited final year students preparing to write their national examinations and encouraged and urged them to become effective graduates in rural communities and requested local government chairmen to sponsor their subjects or programs.

Prof. Brisibe further applauded the introduction of two accreditations, two new programs, and the minor repairs and rehabilitation carried out during the specified period.

During the visit, the commissioner was joined by the Dr. Ingowari Torunana Director of Medical Services, Dr. Jones Stow, Director of Public Health MOH, Dr. Ebikapaye Okoyen, States' SWAP Director, and other top government functionaries.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State.

28/07/2025

Tackling Public Health Emergencies: Bayelsa Health Commissioner Receives WHO Country Representatives

Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, received Ms. Blessing Ekanem, a Medical Laboratory scientist and Technical Officer with WHO Nigeria, and other members of the State's chapter of the World Health Organisation (WHO) led by Dr. Marcus Oluwadare earlier today in his office.

Ms. Blessing Ekanem, a medical laboratory scientist and technical officer with WHO Nigeria, is in Bayelsa State on behalf of the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) and WHO, in collaboration with the Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), to conduct an on-site laboratory capacity assessment for cholera diagnosis.

The meeting also aimed to provide actionable recommendations to the Honourable Commissioner, and other health colleagues to enhance cholera surveillance capacity in the state.

The Honorable Commissioner, Prof. Brisibe joined by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry's Health Directors and the State's management team welcomed and appreciated the team for their visit to the State.

Prof. Brisibe on behalf of the people commended the World Health Organization (WHO) and its team for their exceptional efforts in building capacity and fostering collaboration, which has enabled the state to effectively manage public health emergencies.

He stated that the support of the WHO has been crucial in establishing a resilient public health emergency system capable of maintaining digital services and quickly restoring operations after crises as he sends a specific message of commendation passed to the WHO country Director for their significant contributions to the State.

The Bayelsa Health Commissioner, reaffirmed the State's commitments to building capacity not only for outbreak mitigation but also for strengthening its surveillance system to foster trust and confidence among international partners and community stakeholders.

Ms. Blessing Ekanem announced her team's visit to Bayelsa State as a collaborative effort by the Global Task Force for Cholera Control, WHO, and the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), with the primary goal of conducting an on-site laboratory capacity assessment.

She said, the assessment will evaluate NCDC's laboratory network and selected primary healthcare centers (PHCs) to determine their capacity for laboratory cholera surveillance which includes examining sample collection, Cholera diagnostic testing, culture identification, antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST), and how laboratories connect with the state's overall surveillance system.

Prof. Brisibe who emphasized the importance of a strong governance and leadership structure to ensure a highly resilient public health emergency response system, also noted that the commitment aims to enable partners and communities to trust and collaborate in preventing deaths from public health emergencies, especially cholera.

"The Prosperity Government takes issues of public health emergencies, particularly cholera outbreaks, very seriously, he added.

The assessment team consists of four members: Blessing Ekanem from WHO, a colleague from NCDC's National Reference Laboratory (Lagos campus), the State's DSNO, and the State laboratory focal person as the evaluation will utilize the Global Checklist for the Global Task Force for Cholera Control.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State.
28/7/2025

23/07/2025

22/07/2025

Building The Bayelsa Health Sector!

The Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health Bayelsa State, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, received Dr. Olawale, Country Director and Dr. Bassey Okposen Immunization Project Director at John Snow Incorporated(JSI) and the Director, Research and Training JSI Nigeria, yesterday in his office.

The visit aimed to inform the State team, including the Executive Governor, his Deputy, and the Health Ministry, about the resumption of immunization projects with a new donor after a pause due to changes in U.S government funding.

The Health Commissioner highlighted the State's progress and the commitment to improving immunization coverage as he thanked them for their visit and reaffirmed more commitments to joining hands with the State government in building the health sector.

The JSI team conducted an advocacy visit to Bayelsa State, to discuss the continuation of support for routine immunization as the country Director, Dr. Olawale emphasized the importance of immunization in preventing childhood diseases and encouraged parents to vaccinate their children.

Dr. Okposen who stated the effectiveness of Immunization in preventing childhood diseases also advised against misinformation about vaccines and encouraged parents to ensure their children receive routine immunizations to protect them from preventable diseases.

Prof. Brisibe thereafter, also received in his office the State's chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses And Midwives, to discuss the dispute and resolutions involving nursing services for better health care service delivery.

During the meeting, Prof. Brisibe was joined by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ebiye Sawyer, Director Jones Stow, Director of Public Health, Dr. Ingowari Torunana, Director of Medical Services, and other Directors in the Ministry of Health.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Health Bayelsa State.

20/07/2025