By Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended Gombe State for its outstanding performance in implementing the Gavi-Primary Healthcare (PHC) Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and strengthening its healthcare system.
Speaking at the “GAVI-PHC MoU Handover and Way Forward” event held at the Government House in Gombe, the UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, praised the state’s remarkable progress in maternal and child healthcare services.
Dr. Rafique highlighted key achievements, including the timely release of funds, the establishment of a high-level task force led by the Deputy Governor, and the recruitment of 440 healthcare workers fully absorbed into the state healthcare system. She noted that the state had committed N500 million to the programme, significantly boosting healthcare service delivery.
The Gombe State Government formally took over healthcare activities under the Gavi-PHC MoU and launched a comprehensive sustainability plan to ensure the continuity of essential health interventions.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing healthcare. He recalled the state of emergency declared in the health sector upon assuming office, which led to major reforms, including the revitalization of 114 Primary Healthcare Centres and the upgrade of several general hospitals.
The event also featured goodwill messages from development partners, including the Nigerian Governors’ Forum and the World Health Organization (WHO), who commended Gombe’s leadership in healthcare reforms.
The sustainability plan incorporates Gavi-PHC activities into the state’s annual operational plan, with key improvements in immunization coverage, child spacing, and service delivery.
Awards were presented to key partners, including Gavi, UNICEF, WHO, and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, for their contributions to the programme’s success.
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