Gombe State is poised to deepen its health sector reforms under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, as it hosts its maiden Health Summit, which will also feature the commissioning of landmark projects and the launch of key policy documents.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, while briefing journalists on preparations for the event.
According to him, “the two-day summit, scheduled for 2nd to 3rd of October 2025, will convene leading stakeholders from within and outside Nigeria to explore strategies for strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.”
Dr. Dahiru said the summit would also provide an opportunity to showcase the significant strides made in policy, reform, programmes and projects.
He said, “The highlights would be the launch of the Gombe State Human Resource Policy and Strategy Document, in addition to the Ambulance Emergency Initiative, which would be will be introduced to provide rapid response services for emergencies.”
Dr. Dahiru explained that the scheme would ensure that patients are transported swiftly from their locations to health facilities and treated free of charge for up to 24 to 48 hours.
“It is intended to drastically reduce maternal and child mortality in the state by addressing delays in accessing emergency care,” he said.
The summit will also witness the commissioning of Key Legacy Projects by the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The projects are:. Federal Medical Centre, Kumo; SDG Women and Children Hospital, Mallam Inna; College of Nursing and Midwifery, Gombe and the Flow with Confidence Initiative.
The Gombe State Commissioner of Health said the summit would be held under the theme “Transforming the Health System in Gombe State,” and would draw participation from senior government officials, such as the Minister of Health, development partners, subject-matter experts, and the media.
He listed sub-themes as, Financing health in the midst of donor uncertainty and fostering sustainable health financing, Optimising human resources to achieve vision and experience goals, Strengthening partnerships and collaboration through a sector-wide approach (SWAp) and Maximising opportunities to accelerate universal health coverage.
According to him, “the programme will feature keynote addresses, technical sessions and panel discussions, including virtual contributions from eminent figures such as the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed.”