Gombe’s Healthcare Revolution: How Governor Inuwa Yahaya is Setting a New Standard
FG, Gates Foundation Laud State’s Groundbreaking Reforms
In the past five years, Gombe State has undergone a remarkable transformation in healthcare, earning praise from both the Federal Government and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Once struggling with underfunded facilities, poor infrastructure, and limited access to medical care, the state is now being hailed as a model for primary healthcare delivery in Nigeria.
During a one-day working visit to Gombe, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, and the President of Global Development at the Gates Foundation, Chris Elias, commended Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his administration’s dedication to strengthening the sector.
From Crisis to Progress: Gombe’s Healthcare Transformation
When Governor Inuwa Yahaya assumed office in 2019, he inherited a fragile healthcare system with just 3.5% of the state’s budget allocated to the sector. The state grappled with inadequate medical personnel, decaying infrastructure, and low immunization rates. In response, his administration declared a state of emergency in healthcare and embarked on a bold reform agenda.
Today, the results speak for themselves. According to data from the 2018 and 2023 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS):
- Deliveries attended by skilled birth attendants have doubled from 19% to 38%.
- The proportion of children receiving their first Penta vaccine dose has increased by 78%.
- The third Penta vaccine dose coverage has surged by 131%, from 26% to 60%.
- The number of fully immunized children has risen by 170%.
- Modern contraceptive use among women has increased by 88% (from 16% to 30%).
These improvements have been made possible by an 82% year-on-year increase in the state’s healthcare budget since 2023.
The Secret to Gombe’s Success: A Holistic Approach
Governor Yahaya’s strategy has combined policy innovation, infrastructure development, and strategic partnerships. Key initiatives include:
-
Strengthening Primary Healthcare:
- Revitalization of all PHCs and upgrading four secondary healthcare facilities per senatorial zone.
- Establishment of the Go-Health scheme, covering 354,000 people, including 100,000 vulnerable and internally displaced persons (IDPs).
- Partnership with traditional rulers to promote community healthcare initiatives.
-
Boosting Healthcare Manpower:
- Recruitment of 46 indigenous doctors and 440 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs).
- Expansion of the School of Nursing to a 1,000-student capacity.
- Plans to expand the Gombe State University Medical College to train more doctors.
-
Ensuring Affordable Medicine & Efficient Management:
- Creation of a Hospital Management Board for better oversight.
- Establishment of the Drugs & Medical Consumables Management Agency to ensure affordable and quality medicines.
- Introduction of a biometric attendance system to improve punctuality and accountability among healthcare workers.
-
Tackling Malnutrition & Maternal Health Challenges:
- Partnership with UNICEF and NAPRI (Ahmadu Bello University) to locally produce therapeutic food for malnourished children.
- Launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) to reduce pregnancy-related deaths.
Global Recognition and Future Prospects
The Gates Foundation, which has been closely monitoring Gombe’s progress, expressed its intention to deepen collaboration with the state.
“We are impressed by the bold reforms and measurable progress made in Gombe’s healthcare sector. The Gates Foundation is eager to learn from these successes and explore further support to enhance healthcare delivery,” Chris Elias stated.
Similarly, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate emphasized that Gombe is setting an example for other states and pledged the Federal Government’s continued support for its healthcare initiatives.
Governor Yahaya’s Vision: “We Are Just Getting Started”
Despite the progress, Governor Inuwa Yahaya insists that there is still more work to be done. His administration plans to:
- Expand access to specialized medical services through private-sector partnerships.
- Enhance maternal and child health services to further reduce mortality rates.
- Scale up digital health innovations to improve service delivery.
“We have come a long way, but we are not stopping here. Our mission is to ensure every resident of Gombe has access to quality, affordable healthcare. With continued support from the Federal Government and our partners, we will sustain these gains and build an even stronger health system,” Governor Yahaya affirmed.
Conclusion
Gombe’s dramatic transformation in healthcare under Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s leadership is a testament to what vision, commitment, and strategic investment can achieve. As the state continues to attract national and global recognition, its success could serve as a blueprint for other states looking to revitalize their healthcare systems.
With the Federal Government and the Gates Foundation pledging further collaboration, Gombe appears set to remain at the forefront of Nigeria’s healthcare revolution.
End