Gombe Government Assumes Full Control of GAVI-PHC Program, Ensures Lifesaving Healthcare Continues
Mother of Three Expresses Joy as State Sustains Free Maternal, Child Healthcare
For Amina Musa, a mother of three from Kaltungo, the fear of losing her newborn during childbirth was a painful reality—until the Gavi-Primary Healthcare (PHC) program changed her life.
"I never thought I could give birth in a hospital because I couldn't afford it," she said, smiling as she cradled her healthy baby at the Gombe Specialist Hospital. "But when I got to the clinic, they told me everything would be taken care of, and it was. Now, I tell every pregnant woman in my village to come to the hospital."
Amina’s story is just one of many, as Gombe State takes full responsibility for the life-changing healthcare interventions implemented under the Gavi-PHC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). At a formal event marking the transition, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to ensuring no mother or child is left behind.
Partners Applaud Gombe’s Leadership in Healthcare
The Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, hailed Gombe’s outstanding commitment to healthcare delivery, describing it as a model for other states.
"I wish to commend His Excellency for his strong leadership and for making maternal and child healthcare a top priority," she said. "The recruitment of 440 healthcare workers, the massive investments in infrastructure, and the expansion of immunization programs show a government that truly cares for its people."
Other partners, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, echoed similar sentiments, acknowledging Gombe as the best-performing state in the country under the Gavi-PHC MoU.
A Commitment to Saving Lives
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, represented by Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, explained that upon assuming office, his administration declared a state of emergency in the health sector.
"We knew the challenges were great, but the lives of our people mattered more," he said. "That is why we revitalized 114 Primary Healthcare Centers, built a new General Hospital in Kumo, and upgraded Kaltungo, Bajoga, and the State Specialist Hospital in Gombe."
The state’s efforts have yielded results: immunization rates have risen from 18% to 50%, antenatal care attendance has improved, and maternal and child mortality rates have dropped significantly.
Looking Ahead: A Sustainable Future
As the state takes full responsibility for healthcare funding and operations, the government has unveiled a long-term sustainability plan. The Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahman Shu’aibu, assured stakeholders that the program’s success would not end with the MoU.
"Our approach is simple: we are integrating these interventions into the state's overall healthcare system to ensure no gains are lost," he stated.
Traditional Leaders, Community Members Celebrate Progress
At the event, traditional rulers, including the Mai of Kaltungo, praised the government for involving communities in healthcare delivery. "When the people are part of the process, the impact is greater," said HRH Malam Danladi Sanusi Maiyamba, representing the Mai of Kaltungo.
To celebrate these achievements, the government also launched a quarterly newsletter highlighting the successes of the PHC program and honored key stakeholders for their roles in its implementation.
For Amina Musa and thousands like her, Gombe’s commitment to healthcare is not just about policies and figures—it’s about hope, survival, and a better future for their children.
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