GSPHCDA and AMEN foundation conducted its Annual Review and 20223/2024 planning meeting on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs). The event took place Thursday, 28 Sep. 2023 at the Medical College Multi Purpose Hall of the College of Medical Science, Gombe State University.
At the event, founder and President AMEN Health Care and Empowerment Foundation, Mrs Rita Eizehi Aimuiwu Oguntiyinbo commended the Gombe State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for creating an enabling environment for the foundation to carry out its activities especially in curtailing NTDs across the State.
Mrs Rita also appreciated the support and effort of the Gombe State first lady, Her Excellency, Hajiya Asmau Inuwa Yahaya; the State Ministry of Health, State Primary Health Care Development Agency and other MDAs for supporting her foundation.
In his remark, the Executive Secretary, SPHCDA, stated that over the years the State Government and AMEN foundation has conducted thousands of free surgeries for Hernia, Hydrocoele, trachoma and screening for breast and cervical cancer. The E.S attributed the successes recorded to the monumental support and commitment of the present administration.
Also present at the meeting, were the Emirs of Dukku, Pindiga, Tula and Funakaye were in separate remarks, applauded the support of the state Government and the foundation in meeting the health needs of the people in their communities.
Highlight of the meeting was the presentation of awards and distribution of motorcycles to 11 NTD coordinators across the 11 LGAs in the State.
The Government of Gombe State flags Off First Round of Maternal New Born Child Health Week and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention. says, provision of healthcare remains governments priority.
The Government of Gombe State has today flagged-off the the First Round of Maternal New Born Child Health Week and Seasonal Malaria Chemoprevention ( SMG) in an effort to consolidate on the routine Primary Health Care Services towards reducing maternal, infant and child mortality in the state.
The Program organized by the State Ministry of Health in conjunction with State Primary Healthcare Development Agency was flagged-off at Primary Health Care Centre, Lalaipido in Shongom Local Government Area.
The state Deputy Governor, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, who is also the Chairman of Taskforce on Routine Immunization in the state underscored the importance of health on every aspect of human endearvours.
” This administration has placed great priority on health that is why apart from security, health is the top most priority of Government. This is because without health nothing works. This explains the numerous interventions in the health sector recorded by this Government of which you are all witnesses”.
” As you are all aware, the Maternal Newborn Child Health (MNCH )week is conducted bi-annually nationwide with a view to reducing morbidity and mortality among pregnant women and children under five years. Services to be provided across Primary Health Care facilities include reproductive health care , maternal newborn and child care services”.
He said during the MNCH week, the state will also conduct the seasonal malaria chemoprevention, considering that the rainy season is a period when malaria parasites breed because of bushes and stagnant water in the environment.
” Malaria is a life threatening disease caused by parasites transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It is well well known as the leading cause of maternal and child death in Nigeria and as such increases the burden to the already weakened health system, thereby reducing productivity among our people”.
Dr. Jatau adviced against attributing cause of sicknesses to witchcraft, sorcery and to relations but to explore medical provisions for solutions to their health challenges.
He re-assured the people of the state of Government’s commitment to improve their well being, especially women and children under five years, calling on Traditional and Religious Leaders across the state to put their best to support this administration’s crusade in the fight against all diseases that constitute health challenges in the state.
In his address, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Mal. Danladi Adamu informed the gathering that, “this event is the commencement of the delivery of integrated package of cost-effective interventions primarily to be delivered to strengthen the routine Primary Health Care services where pregnant women, mother’s and children aged 0-59 months are the main beneficiaries”.
He also said, the interventions of the state government aimed to reduce the prevalence of maternal and under five child morbidity and mortality rate in the state.
“one of the national strategies to reduce the burden of malaria in the country and Gombe, the state government in partnership with the federal ministry of health through the National Malaria Elimination Program( NMEP) with the support from the Global Fund Malaria Grant, and other stakeholders in the fight against malaria have intensified efforts in drastically reducing the prevalence of malaria by targeting children 3-59 months by the administration of the seasonal malaria Chemoprevention using suldoxine-primethamine plus Amodiaquine”.
Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Secretary, State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahaman Shuaibu informed the gathering that during the weeklong activity, a total number of over 800,000 children between the ages of 3-59 months will benefit from free anti- malarial drugs while about 200,000 pregnant women will benefit from other life saving interventions.
He said, Children aged 6-59 months will benefit from vitamin A supplement, children aged 12-59 months shall be provided with anti-worms medication ( albendazole) and iron/ desolate supplementation among others.
He appreciated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, Dan Majen Gombe, his Deputy, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders and health workers for making the program a reality and a huge success.
Goodwill messages came from State Coordinator, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Alh. Yahaya Ahmed, State Coordinator, World Health Organization, Alh.Faruk Ismail, UNICEF Representative, Philomena Irene, and the representative of Mai Kaltungo, the Village Head of Kalaku, Mr. Naphtali M. Iganus who reiterated support to the administration towards provision of quality health care and commended the efforts of the Government.
Highlight of the event include administration of supplements, inspection of the health center and cultural display among others.
Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency held its 1st quarter, 2023 task force on PHC meeting Thursday 8/6/23. The task force which is chaired by His Excellency, The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr Manassah Daniel Jatau, urged PHC managers in the state to ensure that health service delivery gets to the nooks and crannies of the state. He stated that this is with a view to achieve Universal Health Coverage.
The task force meeting witnessed the distribution of 20 motorcycles to immunization officers and 13 computer laptops and printers for monitoring and evaluation officers across the 11 LGAs.
The Deputy Governor who was represented by the permanent secretary, State Ministry of Health urged the health officers to be consistent and focused in the discharge of their duties.
Members of the State task force present at the meeting included the ES GSPHCDA, SC WHO and other partners, traditional and religious leaders, representatives of security agencies among others.
The Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, has commended the initiative of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for rewarding excellent performance towards efficiency, and productivity.
The Deputy Governor’s position was contained in his address during the 2022 Annual Award Presentation at the International Hotel, Gombe.
The Deputy Governor admonished the recipients of the awards to see it as a motivation to do more towards bettering the cause of humanity.
Chronicling the effect of awards and sanctions and the commitment of Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration in advancing the healthcare needs of the people, the Deputy said, the Health sector is the first priority of this administration.
He said ” to God be the glory and gratitude for granting us the priviledge to witness yet another GSPHCDA annual award presentation ceremony of the best performing staff in the conduct of their duties.
However, in good time let me on behalf of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya the Governor of Gombe State convey his greetings, goodwill, and above all his appreciation for initiating this event in the Agency to encourage and challenge staff to dedicate themselves in their respective roles and responsibilities”.
“While it is a known fact that employment or recruitment grants new employees, delight, happiness and satisfaction, this does not last long. Soon after these employees begin to manifest different attitudes to the jobs assigned to them, colleagues employed earlier, the organization, and even the environment. Eventually these factors affect the perception performance and the conduct of their work. Therein lies the need for the Chief Executive Officer to start critical observation of these workers, appraising them for the effective performance of the organization so as to attain the goals for which it was established. This need is more pronounced in Combe State Civil Service particularly the Health sector which is the first priority area concern of this administration of His Excellency, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya”.
“Being the Chairman of State Taskforce on Immunization and Primary Health Care, I am fully aware of the determination and commitments of this government in prioritizing health in the population through the provision of an enabling environment that motivate team players in the health sector. Lovers of Gombe State may wish to recall the provision of required modern operational facilities, partnering donor agencies, couple with consistent and prompt payment of personnel entitlements as well as supporting personnel Capacity Building in various spheres of Health Care service delivery. Of course, posterity will remember His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya led administration for actualizing the functional Primary Health Care per ward policy across the 114 wards of Gombe State. No doubt this development contributed positively in reducing maternal and child mortality rates in the state as well as easy access to other Primary Health Care services by residents of the hinterland communities of Gombe State”.
“Similarly, redesigning the architectural standard of Gombe State Specialist Hospital and 3 other General Hospitals in Funakaye, Kaltungo and the ongoing brand new General Hospital in Kumo town of Akko LGA is another testimony to this administration’s commitment in Health
services delivery. The School of Nursing under construction that would admit about 600 student nurses is another push in the Health sector. That this School of Nursing has been accredited to award B.Sc Nursing is a giant stride”.
“The great support, advice and directions of His Excellency the governor in the provision of the conducive environment for the health sector to thrive has been a great motivation. Subsequently, GSPHCDA today have covered 90% of the Covid-19 vaccination and stood among the league of best performing States in the country.
Also the Agency conducted four rounds of zero dose Routine Immunization Intensification across all the eleven LGAs with the assistance of Global Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization (GAVI) through UNICEF Similarly, the recent engagement of about 400 additional staff in the Health sector by the State Government in collaboration with GAVI is a move to address the dearth of staff observed in our Health facilities. For all these the govemment remains grateful to GAVI, UNICEF and other donor partners”.
“Much as I commend the Executive Secretary and staff of GSPHCDA for their performance, I wish to most sincerely appreciate our traditional, religious and community leaders and even some members of the public across the state for participating, encouraging and complementing the Agency in all the activities undertaken” he added.
In his address the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru said the primary healthcare provides service that touch the lives of the people in every Community in the state.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Danladi Adamu, the Honourable Commissioner expressed delight over the award ceremony and called on other ministries and agencies to emulate the PHCDA.
Earlier in his address the Executive Secretary, Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahaman Shua’ibu explained that ” the award is aimed at rewarding excellence in primary healthcare service delivery in the state in order to motivate Health care providers across all cadres, and will provide us with an opportunity to engage ourselves for mutual reflections of all PHC activities conducted or presently ongoing across the state”.
He added” I am excited with the kind of support and confidence this award is receiving looking at the dignitaries and Health care workers that have graced this occasion. Your presence and active participation have continued to be a source of encouragement to us”.
” Today’s award recipients have distinguished themselves with the highest qualities and best practices in health care delivery across the state”.
The Executive Secretary appreciated the Governor, his Deputy, Honourable Commissioner Ministry of Health, Community and religious leaders, Development Partners and all key players that contributed towards the success of Health care delivery in the state.
Goodwill messages came from the Deputy Director, National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Alh. Yahaya Ahmed and Representative of New Incentive Altine Lewis who commended the gesture of the Agency for motivating the staff through presentation of award.
The Senior District Head of Gombe Alh. Abdulkadir Abubakar represented by Alh. Yaya Hammari applauded the concern of the state government in providing quality health care delivery to the people in the state.
A total number of 120 Staff were presented with varrying awards of plaques, cash, wrappers, yards, ipads, android phones and clocks,to beneficiaries including retirees, non salaried persons who volunteered their services to serve in the various primary healthcare facilities across the state.
Eleven Chip Agents representing the Local Governments in the State received Wrappers and Ten Thousand Naira each, While GAVI HRH, Field Volunteers and another set of Volunteers each from the eleven local governments numbering thirty three smiled home with Wrapper and Ten Thousand Naira each.
In the same vein, junior cadre staff of the Primary Healthcare picked from the eleven local Government Areas got a clock and Ten Thousand Naira each and another category of junior cadre from the Agency also got Yards and Ten Thousand Naira each.
The Intermediate Cadre of Primary Healthcare each from the eleven LGAs were presented with either wrapper or Yards and Ten Thousand Naira each While six staff of intermediate cadre got wooden plaques with the exception of Accountant who got an addition of Android phone.
Fourteen Program Area staff and other Sixteen Management and senior cadre received wooden and glass plaques respectively, and eleven retirees from across the eleven local governments go home with yards and twenty thousand naira each.
Five Staff from Akko, Billiri, Dukku, Gombe and Yamaltu-Deba were adjudged the best in biometric attendance were rewarded with wooden plates, tablets, and twenty thousand naira each with an additional ten thousand naira each donated by the consultant in charge of biometric attendance in the state, and Four Technical Directorate staff got glass plagues.
The Governor and his Deputy falls within the Chief Executive Award and received the Mega Glass Award alongside the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, Dr. Ismail Jibril, and Dr. Ishiyaku Mohammed, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Budget, Economic Planning and Development Partner Coordination Office.
Others within the category of the Chief Executive Award include, the Senior District Head of Gombe, Alh. Abdulkadir Abubakar, Alh. Ali Ashaka, Hadiza Usman Shinga, and Representative of World Health Organization (WHO) United Nations International Children’s Fund( UNICEF) and TCI respectfully.
The UNICEF Country representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate was in Gombe today to supervise some health projects implemented by Gombe State Government in partnership with UNICEF. The ES, GSPHCDA received her in PHC Mallam Sidi, the headquarters of Kwami LGA.
The country rep was impressed with the quality of health services implemented in the facility particularly as it relates to women’s and children’s health. The ES Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu while welcoming her informed her that the health facility serves 10 communities with a catchment population of 7,454.
He also informed her that the facility has 20 skilled staff and provides services such as ANC, skilled birth delivery, immunization, child spacing among others. He stated that the facilty was non functional some years back but noted that presently the facility provides 24 hour service delivery.
The UN country rep promised to continue the partnership with the state Government in implementing health projects for better health outcome. She then proceeded to the office of the Deputy Governor, where the State policy on social protection was launched
Governor Inuwa Parleys UNICEF, Assures of His Administration’s Continued Collaboration With Development Partners To Sustain Gains In Education, Health, Others
…As UNICEF Lauds Gombe Governor’s Commitment To Wellbeing Of His People, Promises To Implement More Projects, Programmes In The State
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has expressed his administration’s readiness to collaborate with development partners towards the upliftment of the standard of the living of the peopleof Gombe State.
The governor made the position known while receiving a delegation from the United Nations Children’s Fund who paid him a courtesy visit on the sidelines of its inspection visit to Gombe State.
He appreciated the support of the UN agency in executing projects especially in critical sectors of education and health.
The governor noted that Gombe State is a beneficiary of many collaborative projects and programmes with UNICEF, citing the successful mopping up and enrolment of about 400,000 out of school children through BESDA as one of the instances where Gombe benefited a lot.
He specifically recognised the inputs of UNICEF and other UN agencies in drafting the State’s ten year development plan which he said aligns with the UN’s SDGs and UNICEF’s vision and mission.
“Our ten year development plan aligned with the targets of SDGs, Unicef and all United Nations agencies that are collaborating with us towards improving the standard of living of our people,” he confirmed.
Governor Inuwa intimated the team of his administration’s great achievements of providing healthcare services to the people.
“It may interest you to know that, to ensure proper provision of health care services at the grassroots, in less than three years we were able to provide at least one functional healthcare facility in each of the 114 wards of Gombe State”.
The governor told the visiting UNICEF team that Gombe State has concluded plans to engage 440 health workers to augment the strength of human resources for more productivity in the health sector.
The governor said, “We plan to engage an average of 40 health personnel in each of the 11 Local Governments. Not only that we also insist that each health worker attends to his place of work by taking inventory, the initiative we brought of having biometric attendance and records from all the staff of primary health care and general hospitals is helping us a lot to provide necessary man power in the sector and ensure efficiency and productivity”.
He pledged his government’s continued support towards execution of collaborative programmes with UNICEF. “Our doors are open, any day any time, we look forward to jointly working with you in the execution of projects and programmes that especially help our younger ones.
“I also want to assure you, that not only me but the whole of my cabinet and the people of Gombe are supportive of your coming and the activities you are undertaking”, he assured.
Earlier speaking, the UNICEF team lead, Dr. Ephrem Tekle Lemango who is an Associate Director of Immunization in the organisation’s Headquarters in Newyork thanked Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his hospitality adding that his team was impressed with what they see in Gombe State with respect to infrastructural and human capital development.
“One of the things that really impressed us is your commitment to health education and economic growth of Gombe State. It says a lot about your commitment and directly implies your faith in investing in young people of Gombe which is very crucial to the future development of the state”, he said.
The UNICEF Team lead appreciated Governor Inuwa’s foresight in deploying women health workers in the revitalised healthcare facilities, observing that many of the maternal and child health care services are better served by women health workers.
Mr Ephrem assured that UNICEF as a partner that works on the improvement of life of children, adolescents and young people will continue to work and support Gombe State Government in areas of common interests.
