This recognitions not only highlight the progress being made in advancing primary health care but also serve as a call to action for other states to adopt sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of their citizens
By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
Gombe has clinched the special award for the Most Innovative State in Primary Health Care (PHC) at the 2023/2024 PHC Leadership Challenge organized by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) in partnership with UNICEF and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
In a statement signed by Ismaila Uba Misilli, Director-General Press Affairs, Government House
Gombe, explained that State also received a $400,000 reward for ranking as the second-best state in Primary Health Care Delivery in the Northeast subregion, further cementing its status as a leader in healthcare excellence.
Gombe was singled out for special honour, with the judges hailing the State’s Biometric programme and other innovations as benchmark for other sub-nationals aspiring to revolutionize their healthcare systems.
The awards were presented during the 2023/2024 PHC Leadership Challenge Award/ Gala graced by dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The event, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, recognized and incentivized states that have demonstrated exceptional leadership in the delivery of primary health care services across Nigeria.
Vice President Shettima, represented by Presidential Adviser, Dr. Aliyu Modibbo Umar commended Gombe and other award winning states for their dedication to healthcare transformation, emphasizing the importance of leadership in achieving the universal health coverage and sustainable development goals.
In his keynote address, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, lauded the achievements of Gombe State and other award recipients during the event, emphasizing the impact of innovation and strong leadership in healthcare delivery.
He noted that such recognitions not only highlight the progress being made in advancing primary health care but also serve as a call to action for other states to adopt sustainable practices that prioritize the well-being of their citizens.
Professor Pate reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting states in their pursuit of universal health coverage and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya dedicated the awards to the people of Gombe State, especially the healthcare workers who have remained committed to delivering quality services.
“This recognition as the Most Innovative State in PHC, along with the $400,000 reward for being the second-best in Primary Health Care delivery, is a result of our collective efforts to enhancing healthcare for our people. It underscores our collective resolve to ensure quality healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or status,” he stated.
“As we continue to innovate and expand our healthcare systems, I wish to reaffirm our commitment to making Gombe a shining example in the pursuit of universal health coverage.”
It should be noted that since assuming office in 2019, Governor Inuwa Yahaya has made healthcare sector a top priority, leading to significant improvements in both infrastructure and services across Gombe State.
To revamp the health sector, hence first declared a state of emergency on health which led to the revitalisation of at least one functional primary health care centre in each of the 114 wards in the state that functions 24/7, while the secondary healthcare facilities were also upgraded to befitting status in order to meet the growing demand.
His commitment to transforming the healthcare sector has not only improved the overall health indicators of the state but has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.
The Governor’s leadership and vision have ensured that the people have access to high-quality healthcare services across the nooks and crannies of the State in line with the objective of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Under his leadership, Gombe State has witnessed significant reforms, including the establishment of vital healthcare management agencies, the formulation and execution of progressive policies, and substantial investments in health infrastructure and human resources.
The Governor was accompanied to the award ceremony by Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru and that of Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali. Also on the entourage were the Chairman of Gombe State Drug and Medical Consumables Management Agency (GODMA) Dr. Ismail Jibrin, Executive Secretaries of GoHealth and GSPHCDA, Dr. Abubakar Musa and Dr. Abdulrahman Shu’aibu respectively, Chairman of Gombe Local Government, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna among other officials.