Ministry of Health Bayelsa State Nigeria, State Secretariat Third floor, Yenagoa (2026)

08/01/2026

‎UNICEF's Leadership Challenge: Prof. Brisibe Extol Gov. Diri
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‎~ says gov support, path to health outcomes, foreign accolades
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‎The Honourable Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe has lauded the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri, on the recent, UNICEF's Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge Victory.
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‎Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, made the commendation while speaking on the 174th Executive Council Meeting and with newsmen on the victory funded by UNICEF, Dangote Group and other Multinationals, where Bayelsa State emerged first runner-up in the South South zone, with an attached prize money of 400,000 US Dollars.
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‎He thanked the governor for placing the wellbeing of citizens at the center of governance and for aligning the State with global best practices championed by UNICEF.
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‎The UNICEF's Primary Health Care (PHC) Leadership Challenge is a national performance and accountability initiative aimed at recognizing and accelerating State level leadership in improving primary health care delivery.
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‎It was initiated through collaboration between the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), and development partners including UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
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‎He said the governor's support has created paths to the great outcomes in the State's health sector, performance and as well international and foreign accolades the State is experiencing at all times.
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‎The Health Commissioner stated that, Gov. Diri's Administration, has always been deliberate in the advancement of health techniques and outcomes as accessibility to primary healthcare, and as well the quality of health services to patients improves.
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‎He further thanked the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Jones Stow, Directors, Partners, and Staff of the Ministry of Health, for their valuable contributions to the growth of the Health Sector in line with the prosperity administration of the Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri.
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‎Doubara Fafi
‎Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State.
‎08/01/2026

27/12/2025

No fewer than 1,738 deaths from cholera, Lassa fever, measles and diphtheria outbreaks were recorded nationwide in 2025, Saturday PUNCH gathered.

25/12/2025

CHRISTMAS & FESTIVE SEASON HEALTH SAFETY

As we celebrate this festive season, I bring warm greetings to all Bayelsans on behalf of the Bayelsa State Government and the Ministry of Health.

While we share joy with family and friends, it is important to remember that festive periods are often accompanied by outbreaks of communicable diseases and increased health risks. I therefore urge all residents to celebrate responsibly and safely.

Please take note of the following important health advisories:

* Take your health seriously and seek medical care promptly when unwell.

* Keep your environment clean to reduce the breeding of disease-causing organisms.

* Dispose of leftovers properly and preserve food correctly.

* Eat right, avoid overeating, and do not consume spoiled food to prevent illnesses such as diarrhoea and cholera.

* Reduce alcohol consumption to lower the risk of road traffic accidents.

* Exercise regularly to maintain physical and mental wellbeing.

* Be mindful of non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Know your numbers and manage them appropriately.

Avoid drinking untreated water and visit the nearest Primary Health Care facility for proper WASH education and guidance.

The Ministry of Health remains fully committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of all Bayelsans. Let us all take responsibility for our health and that of our communities during this festive period.

I wish you a safe, healthy, and joyous Christmas celebration.

Professor Seiyefa Brisibe
Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health
Bayelsa State

19/12/2025

PRESS RELEASE

BAYELSA HEALTH COMMISSIONER MOURNS DGOV, URGES RESIDENTS TO OBSERVE SAFE YULETIDE EMBLAZON

The Honourable Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Deputy Governor, describing his death as a monumental loss to the state, the health sector, and the entire nation.

While commiserating with the Governor, the family of the deceased, the government, and the people of the State, the Commissioner urged residents to honour the memory of the late Deputy Governor by embracing peace, unity, and responsible conduct, especially during the Yuletide season.

The Commissioner further called on citizens to celebrate the festive period safely by avoiding drug abuse, excessive consumption of alcohol, adhering to road safety regulations, preventing the spread of communicable diseases through good hygiene practices, and seeking timely medical attention when necessary.

Residents were also advised to remain security conscious and look out for one another during the yuletide season.

“The Yuletide is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness, the Commissioner stated. He urge everyone to prioritize their health and safety, so that the season does not record preventable tragedies.

He reassured the public of the Ministry of Health’s readiness to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services throughout the festive period, noting that health facilities and emergency response teams have been placed on alert to respond promptly to emergencies.

The Ministry prayed for the peaceful repose of the soul of the late Deputy Governor and extended heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, the immediate family, colleagues, and all those affected by the loss.

Signed:

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner, for Health, BYS
19/12/2025

03/12/2025

: PROF. BRISIBE ASSURES MORE WORKFORCE, ACCOUNTABILITY

~ says healthcare development key

Bayelsa Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe on Monday 1st of December 2025 presented the Health sector budget proposal for 2026 outlining the government’s commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and improving the wellbeing of all citizens.

In his presentation, the Commissioner, thanked the Bayelsa States' House of Assembly Committee on Healthcare, headed by, Hon. Dr. Godbless Oyinke, Member Representing Sagbama Constituency ll, and other members for their commitments to joining hands together with Gov. Diri, on Health Care development.

Prof. Brisibe greatly assured that the budget is designed to advance universal health coverage, accelerate infrastructure development, and strengthen emergency response systems across the state, and to cover other areas.

Speaking after the meeting, he highlighted to newsmen the importance of budget presentation that showcases a critical governance responsibility as it strengthens transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in the health sector and as the Ministry under my watch at this point must ensure resources are properly planned, allocated, and justified to improve the health and well-being of the population.

The key priority areas, including; Strengthening Health Infrastructure (Upgrading primary and secondary health facilities, providing modern equipment such as more digital X-ray machines, diagnostic tools, and emergency supplies) expanding access to maternal and child health services, and also "Improving Human Resources for Health,(Recruitment, training, and capacity-building for doctors, nurses, and other health professionals., enhancing Emergency Medical and Ambulance Services).

The Commissioner assured stakeholders, and Bayelsans that the budget reflects the vision of the administration to deliver a resilient, accessible, and people-centered health system.

He also called for more partnership from development agencies, the private sector, and community leaders to ensure effective implementation.

According to him, the proposed budget is not merely a financial document but a roadmap toward a healthier population, stronger institutions, and sustainable development.

The State's Health Commissioner, was joined by all the Directors of the Ministry of Health, Provost of the State owned College of Health Sciences, Prof. Timipa Ogoin, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Jones Stow, Director of Finance and Account MOH, BHIS Executive Secretary, Dr. Johnbull Agedah, Secretary of the Primary Health Care Board, Chief, Dr. Williams Appah and top government functionaries.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, BYS.
02/12/2025

26/11/2025

Child Health Week: H.E Gloria Diri, Prof. Brisibe Flags-off 2nd Round Immunization Campaign

The Bayelsa Health Commissioner, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibejoined the wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Gloria and flagged off, 2nd round of "Optimized Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week" in Yenagoa, yesterday.

He thanked the Governor's Wife for her efforts in promoting the health governance systems in the State in total support of the Prosperity Administration.

The Health Commissioner in his speech expressed delight, describing OMNCH, immunization as a sustained approach to universal coverage of high impact, low cost interventions through the health systems, also the simplest tools found in health care development and in saving lives.

Services such as ante-natal care and delivery, Tetanus Toxoid administration, Health Nutrition and promotion, HIV Testing services, Birth Registration, Immunization, Vitamin A supplementation, Deworming, Family Planning and a host of other interventions will be carried out during this week

The Health Commissioner called on parents and caregivers to come out enmasse to enroll and immunize their children against viral diseases and infections.

The Wife of the Governor, Dr. Mrs. Gloria Diri, also inaugurated and charged the wives of the eight local government Chairmen as Ambassadors for health in their various LGAs for the program.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health BYS.
26/11/2025

24/11/2025

Bayelsa Governor Receives NGF, BHIS Award

Last week, on behalf of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Health, presented an Award to the Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri.

The Nigeria Governors Forum in collaboration with all the stakeholders in the Health Insurance Sector in a pair review mechanism, voted Bayelsa State as the "Best Insurance and Managed Care System, Agency in service delivery for 2025.
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According to the Health Commissioner, "One of the hallmarks of the reign of our Miracle Governor is that he'll never be forgotten in his unique approach in prioritizing development and this unique approach sees development as a continuum, not party, region, and not about administrations".

Prof. Brisibe reaffirmed that this year alone the Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS) has enrolled 45,000 lives which stands as the highest since inception.

In his words: "The Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme(BHIS) is a clear testament to the Governor's concept of development, he has shown commitments that all projects, programs, assets, liabilities he inherited must be improved upon and sustained.

He lauded the governor saying that, in the health sector, SDD has always reminded the people that the vision is not just about access but to increase the life expectancy, and the quality of life of all Bayelsans through the robust healthcare delivery matrix of the Assured Prosperity Agenda. Congratulations SDD!
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Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State.

08/11/2025

ROBUST HEALTHCARE: PROF. BRISIBE COMMISSION, HANDOVERS BLOODBANKS TO HOSPITALS

~ says robust healthcare achievable

Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, the Commissioner for Health Bayelsa State, in a bid to strengthen collective commitment to improving healthcare service delivery especially in the underserved communities, a few days ago he commissioned and handed over bloodbanks to the Kaiama Referral Hospital, other facilities across the State.

The Health Commissioner expressed great delight stating that the initiative will help save countless lives by ensuring the timely availability of safe blood for patients in need, especially accident victims, mothers during childbirth, and those with chronic health conditions.

He said, the importance of providing bloodbanks to health facilities to restore the health, dignity, and productivity of affected individuals, particularly in rural areas cannot be overemphasized.

Other areas include Otuasega Ogbia LGA, Sagbama LGA.

His words: "Robust healthcare is achievable, the commissioning of the bloodbanks reflects our unwavering dedication to providing robust and equitable healthcare services and supporting the well-being of every Bayelsan.

Prof. Brisibe further called on Bayelsans to continue to support the State government, embrace opportunities, health development initiatives, promote healthy living, and work together toward a stronger and healthier State.

The Commissioner during the visit was joined by, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Jones Stow, State's SWAP Cordinator, Dr. Ebikapaye Okoyen, Director of Medical Services MOH, Dr. Ingowari Torunana, and other top health Staff and officials.

Doubara Fafi
Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, BYS.

01/11/2025

New Month: As we step into this new month, I extend warm greetings and heartfelt wishes to all Bayelsans.

This month marks another opportunity for us to strengthen our collective commitment to improving healthcare delivery across our communities.

In line with the government’s policies on accessible and quality healthcare for all, the Ministry of Health is pleased to announce the handover of modern blood banks to the Kaiama Referral hospital, other areas across the State.

This initiative will help save countless lives by ensuring the timely availability of safe blood for patients in need, especially accident victims, mothers during childbirth, and those with chronic health conditions.

Furthermore, we have also commenced free hydrocele surgeries in designated medical centres in partnership with Christian Blind Mission's (CBM) Foundation and other partners.

This humanitarian exercise aims to restore the health, dignity, and productivity of affected individuals, particularly in rural areas.

The programme reflects our unwavering dedication to providing equitable healthcare services and supporting the well-being of every citizen.

As we embrace the opportunities of this new month, let us continue to support government health initiatives, promote healthy living, and work together toward a stronger and healthier state.

Wishing everyone a blessed, productive, and healthy new month.

Signed:
Professor Seiyefa Brisibe
Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Bayelsa State.

18/10/2025

Bayelsa Flags Off Statewide Immunization Campaign; Gives Thumbs-up to WHO, UNICEF, Others

Bayelsa State Government has commended the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children's Fund (UNICEF), Rotary International and other partners for their supportive role in promoting improved healthcare services in the state.

The state Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, gave the commendation while flagging off the State Immunization Plus Days (SIPDs) and Routine Immunization Intensification Campaign at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area of the state.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, in a statement issued at the weekend by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr Doubara Atasi, attributed Bayelsa's success story in the health sector in recent years to the effective collaboration between the state and its development partners.

The Deputy Governor, who called on religious bodies and people of the state to make their children available for immunization, said the Governor Douye Diri-led Administration would continue to invest in the health and general well-being of Bayelsans.

He particularly urged parents to ensure that their young girls take the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) to prevent them from being victims of cancer disease, which prevalence rate, he noted, was on the increase in the country.

Addressing some of the issues raised at the ceremony, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, assured that the state government would sustain its war against fake drugs and expired consumable goods in the state to safeguard the health of the people.

The Deputy Governor, who also appreciated chairmen of local government areas, particularly that of Ogbia, for supporting immunization campaigns, announced that the flag off ceremonies of such programmes would henceforth be carried out in the various LGAs.

His words: "I want to encourage our people across the state to come out en masse and take part in this immunization exercise. Apart from the polio vaccine, we also have the malaria and HPV vaccines.

"Our mothers should know that it is always cheaper for you to have your child immunized for malaria and protect the child from malaria disease for about five years than for you not to immunize the child.

For our young girls, I want you know that cancer is rampaging and destroying our women at an alarming rate due to a lot of factors. So, we also want to encourage our young girls to come out for the HPV vaccine.

"But let me also, once again, thank our development partners in the health sector such as WHO, UNICEF, Rotary International and others including our own local government chairmen for their effective collaboration and support that had enable to record appreciable achievements.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, explained that the decision to move the venue of the flag off ceremony from LGA to LGA was to help educate rural dwellers on the importance of immunization as well as achieve their buy-in.

Prof. Brisibe thanked Governor Diri and his deputy, Senator Ewhrudjakpo, for giving leadership to ensure the actualization of the present administration's vision of providing a robust healthcare system to increase the life expectancy of the people.

Also speaking, the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, His Eminence, King Charles Dumaro Owaba, represented by the Paramount Ruler of Anyama-Ogbia, Chief Sopana Amakiri-Agala, acknowledged the state government's development efforts, but urged it to frontally tackle the issue of fake drugs and expired goods in the state.

In their separate goodwill messages, the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Very Revd Father Joseph Opelema, a representative of the Muslim Community, Rasheeda Abdulkareem, and the Woman Leader of Ogbia Brotherhood, Lady Love Amaseimogha, pledged support for the immunization campaigns on behalf of their various groups.

Others who delivered goodwill messages at the event included, the state Coordinator of WHO, Dr Ntiense Omoette, a representative of Rotary International, Dr Ebitimitula Ogola, her UNICEF counterpart, Mr Godswill Anthony and Dr Nzideka Anene of the state chapter of Paediatric Association of Nigeria.

Highpoint of the event was the administration of oral polio vaccine to some children by the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Brisibe and the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Mr Golden Jeremiah.

Signed:

Mr. Doubara Atasi
Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor
Bayelsa State
17/10/25

17/10/2025

‎HEALTH DEV'T: BAYELSA COMMENCES STATEWIDE IMMUNIZATION PLUS DAYS(IPDS)
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‎The State Immunisation Plus Days (SIPDs) campaign has commenced in Bayelsa State, the Glory of All Lands, and the Flagg off official ceremony is slated to take place from today, Friday, 18th to Tuesday, 21st October 2025.
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‎The major objective of the program is to vaccinate all eligible children with Routine Immunisation (RI) antigens, with particular emphasis on malaria and HPV vaccines.
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‎During the campaign days, health workers will be available at health facilities and will also visit churches, mosques, markets, and homes to ensure that all eligible children are immunized.
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‎Children aged 0–24 months will receive their routine immunization vaccines. Girls aged 9–14 years will receive the HPV vaccine.
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‎Parents and caregivers are strongly encouraged to present their children’s vaccination cards during the exercise.
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‎They are also advised to allow and support their children’s participation in this important health initiative.
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17/10/2025

‎Health Dev't: Bayelsa Health Commissioner Receives NASS Committee on Healthcare Services
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‎The Bayelsa Health Commissioner, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe received Distinguished Members of the National Assembly's House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services led by Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji MHR, on review of the programmes on the Basic Health Care Provision Funds (BHCPF) yesterday.
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‎The Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) is a key component of Nigeria’s National Health Act, and it's designed to ensure access to basic and affordable healthcare services for all Nigerians, particularly the underserved populations in rural and remote areas.
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‎The Chairman of the NASS, House of Representatives Committee on Healthcare Services, Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji MHR, highlighted that the visit was part of activities in fulfilment of legislative mandate and its continued efforts towards ensuring Universal Health Coverage (UHC) across Nigeria to ascertain the breakdown of releases and utilization per project of the Basic Health Care Provision Funds (BHPF) in the State.
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‎Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, the States' Health Commissioner appreciated the NASS Committee for their oversite visit and stated the States' readiness in combating against diseases with great accountability most especially to the undeserved and vulnerable areas in the State.
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‎The Distinguished National Assembly Members visited the glory of all lands on oversite function, acknowledged how far the State has improved on health care development under the leadership of the Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri.
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‎Prof. Brisibe assured the NASS Committee that improving access to quality health care for Bayelsans, particularly the underserved populations in rural and remote areas remains a top priority as a Ministry and as a State.
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‎"We are grateful for your visit our dear Distinguished Honourable National Assembly Members, we'll ensure the fund’s efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness as it will help refine our programs, improve health care access and delivery, and contribute to Nigeria’s broader health care development goals" he added.
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‎The NASS Committee on Healthcare Services also included the Member Representing Bayelsa East in the House of Representatives, Hon. Dr. Mitema Obodo, and others as they mark Bayelsa high upon visiting as well some Primary Healthcare facilities across the State.
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‎The Health Commissioner was joined by the Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Jones Stow, Dr. Williams Appah, Executive Secretary of the States' Primary Health Care Board(BPHCB), Dr. Ingowari Torunana, Director for Medical Services MOH, Dr. Ebikapaye Okoyen, States' SWAP Cordinator, Dr. Zuoboemi Agadah, Executive Secretary of Bayelsa Health Insurance Scheme (BHIS), and other Directors, National Health Fellows, top government functionaries.
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‎Doubara Fafi
‎Media Assistant to the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Bayelsa State
‎17/10/2025
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Ministry of Health Bayelsa State Nigeria

08/01/2026

27/12/2025

25/12/2025

19/12/2025

03/12/2025

26/11/2025

24/11/2025

08/11/2025

01/11/2025

18/10/2025

17/10/2025

17/10/2025

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