WHO: Bringing primary health services closer to underserved people in Gombe State
The fundamental principle of Universal Healthcare Coverage (UHC) is that every individual, everywhere, should have access to the high-quality medical care they necessitate without encountering financial difficulties.
In alignment with this goal, Gombe State Governor, Mr. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, recently inaugurated the inaugural primary healthcare (PHC) centre, Doma PHC, located in Jekadafari ward, Gombe Local Government Area (LGA).
During the unveiling of the centre, the governor mentioned that the establishment of the PHC in the ward aligns with both national and World Health Organization (WHO) objectives aimed at ensuring universal access to healthcare, particularly for the underprivileged, thereby enhancing national productivity overall.
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, the WHO Country Representative, was present at the ceremony.
Mr. Yahaya asserted that the availability of a functional health facility in the ward will enhance vaccination coverage, simplify access to healthcare for vulnerable groups, and provide essential curative services, maternal and child health services, as well as preventive care.
“We are committed to establishing a PHC in each ward across the state and will persist in effectively collaborating with WHO to ensure everyone, everywhere has access to healthcare services closer to their homes,” he stated.
The governor commended WHO for being a reliable ally in delivering health services to the state’s inhabitants.
Dr. Mulombo, who lauded the state government’s initiatives, noted that the establishment of a PHC facility in the ward underscores WHO’s emphasis on UHC since it guarantees that everyone can access basic health services.
He announced that WHO will continue to assist the government in delivering quality healthcare services to the population, especially the most vulnerable members of society.
By the year 2030, WHO projects that enhancing PHC interventions in Nigeria could save millions of lives and increase the average lifespan by 3.7 years.
In Gombe state, WHO has facilitated skill development for 600 healthcare professionals in delivering health services and managing outbreaks, and has also provided cholera treatment supplies to the state.
During peak malaria seasons, 813,169 children aged 3 to 59 months received preventive treatments from WHO.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mulombo paid a courtesy visit to Mai Mustapha Umar Mustapha, the Emir of Biu, during a prior trip to Biu, a town and LGA located in the southern part of Borno state.
During this discussion, Dr. Mulombo emphasized traditional leaders’ historical contributions to combating polio and current efforts to enhance vaccination rates within the region.
Dr. Mulombo informed the Emir about how WHO is assisting the area in accessing superior healthcare through the expansion of Biu General Hospital to better serve the local populace.
“When diseases spread, they permeate communities, and those individuals deserve the right to quality health services. The expanded section of the hospital will be outfitted with cutting-edge equipment to serve thousands of residents in the community,” he stated.
Given their influence in the communities, traditional and political leaders have been intentionally partnering with WHO to achieve the 2023 Triple Billion Targets, which aim for 1 billion more individuals to gain access to universal health coverage, 1 billion more to have improved protection from health emergencies, and 1 billion more to experience enhanced health and well-being.
The emir commended WHO for its collaboration with the government of Borno State to elevate the quality of healthcare services available to his community. He remarked, “We will be more than willing to continue reinforcing our partnership with WHO, as the present collaboration and ongoing projects will not only enhance the health of the residents in our locality but will also benefit individuals in neighboring LGAs and states.”
Financial backing for WHO interventions in both states comes from the European Union, the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the government of Canada, the United States Agency for International Development, the Nigerian Humanitarian Funds, Bill and Melinda Gates, the Contingency Fund for Emergencies, and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance.
