By Golfa Francis, Yola
Thousands of families across Adamawa State, including displaced persons and returnees, are gaining renewed access to quality healthcare following the completion and handover of nine primary health care centres constructed and equipped by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
During the official inauguration of the Gyawana Primary Health Care Centre in Lamurde Local Government Area, Adamawa State Deputy Governor, Professor Kaletapwa Farauta, received the facilities on behalf of the state government.
She noted that four of the centres were newly built, while five others were renovated, upgraded, and equipped for 24-hour service delivery across Gombi, Lamurde, Hong, Mubi-North, Mubi-South, Maiha, Song, and Michika LGAs.
Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the facilities are fitted with solar-powered energy and water systems to ensure uninterrupted services and clean water supply.
These are part of efforts to accelerate access to basic services for internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and their host communities.
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Farauta commended IOM, JICA, and other development partners for their continued support, calling for stronger collaboration and expansion of such initiatives to reach more vulnerable populations.
“Expanding this initiative will enable us to reach more IDPs, returnees, and host communities with critical health services,” she said.
IOM Chief of Mission, Sharon Dimanche, who joined the ceremony, expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and Adamawa State authorities for their cooperation.
She said the new centres represent “hope and healing”—a step toward restoring dignity and essential healthcare for those affected by conflict and displacement.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Pharmacist Titus Takurde, Director of Pharmaceutical Services, urged local communities to take ownership of the facilities to ensure their sustainability.
The Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Suleiman Bashir, appealed for the provision of ambulances to enhance emergency response in the newly equipped centres.
In his remarks, Dr. Aguso Bamaiyi, who represented the traditional ruler, the Hama Bachama, called on government and partners to extend similar attention to tackling health challenges such as hepatitis currently affecting several communities.
With the new centres operational, residents of Adamawa’s rural and post-conflict areas are hopeful that access to quality healthcare will no longer be a privilege—but a shared right for all.