By Danjuma Attah, Gombe
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has appreciated development partners and stakeholders who contributed towards the success of the GAVI-PHC MoU project implementation in the State.
The Governor has therefore assured his Government’s commitment towards continuing on the part of progress left behind following the GAVI, Primary Health Care Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) implemented project.
The event marked the take-over of the healthcare activities implemented under the Gavi/ PHC MoU as well unveiling a comprehensive sustainability plan to ensure the continued implementation of the life-changing intervention.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, at the ceremony in Gombe Government House, Governor Inuwa restated his administration’s commitment in addressing pressing challenges and repositioning PHC in the State.
Highlighting it’s fundamental role in the overall socioeconomic development, Governor Inuwa explained why his administration declared a state of emergency in the health sector in 2019 on assumption of office. It resulted in the general overhaul of healthcare infrastructures across the state.
“We have successfully revitalized and upgraded 114 Primary Healthcare facilities, rebuilt a brand new General Hospital in Kumo, renovated, upgraded and equipped Kaltungo and Bajoga General Hospitals, and the State Specialist Hospital in Gombe,” he pointed out.
In addition, Government ensured the enrollment of 154,394 beneficiaries into the State’s Contributory Healthcare Scheme, Go-Health, to improve access to healthcare services, he stated.
He noted the remarkable progress the State has made in the areas of immunization, antenatal care, and hospital deliveries, as revealed by the 2024 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey.
According to him, “These achievements are a testament to substantial investments by all the MoU partners and the proper utilization of resources. We assure you that we will uphold and contribute to advancing this course.”
Speaking earlier the Chief of UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, explained that the GAVI-funded project implemented in eight States of Nigeria, was aimed at strengthening Health System between April 2022 and March 2025. The programme is expected to improve health outcomes for children and mothers by strengthening PHC systems and routine immunization (RI) services.
She specifically commended Gombe State’s timely release of funds and the establishment of a high-level task force, led by the Deputy Governor, to ensure the seamless execution of the Gavi-PHC MoU, adding, “Gombe State has committed N500 million to the programme, reinforcing its dedication to healthcare improvement”.
“Another remarkable milestone is the recruitment of 440 healthcare workers, who have been fully absorbed into the State healthcare system, further strengthening service delivery,” she maintained.
She acknowledged the achievements of Gombe State in increasing the number of skilled birth attendants, improving routine immunization coverage by over 170%, and enhancing maternal and child healthcare services.
The UNICEF Chief expressed optimism that these gains would be sustained and called for continued commitment to timely fund disbursement, greater community engagement, and collaboration with local government chairmen, traditional rulers, and other grassroots stakeholders to ensure no child is left behind and no mother is unreached.
In their goodwill messages, a consultant with the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Hajiya Faiza Galadanci, and the Gombe State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Umar Faruk, applauded the transformative success of the Gavi/ MoU to the commitment and support of Governor Inuwa Yahaya.
High point of the event included presentation of awards to key partners: GAVI, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, World Health Organization, and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, in recognition of their outstanding support for the MoU.
The Governor also presented awards to Dr. Jibrin Umar Mohammed and Vivian Alibo for their exceptional contributions to the successful implementation of the Gavi PHC MoU.
End.
