The World Bank has officially handed over 114 newly revitalised Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Gombe State, northern Nigeria, in a bid to expand access to quality healthcare for rural communities.
The initiative, delivered through the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT), in collaboration with the Gombe State Government, is designed to strengthen maternal and child health services, expand immunisation coverage, and improve malaria prevention in hard-to-reach areas.
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It aims to enhance maternal and child health, immunisation, malaria prevention, and other essential services in underserved areas.
Officials say “the intervention is part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system and improve outcomes in remote regions.”
The Task Team Lead of the World Bank’s IMPACT project, Dr. Onoriode Ezire, and the Gombe State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, led dignitaries and officials from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the Gombe State Primary Health Care Agency, and the State Contributory Health Insurance Agency, GoHealth, to hand over the keys of the upgraded facilities to selected communities.
All the revitalised centres have been upgraded to Level 2 PHCs. They are now equipped with standard facilities, including labour rooms, staff quarters, immunisation units, antenatal care services, pharmacies, VIP toilets, solar-powered lighting, and boreholes.
The centres also benefited from improved access to essential drugs, medical consumables, qualified staff, and modern equipment.
Commissioning the facilities at Akko PHC on behalf of the State Governor, the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Jatau, described the development as a ‘major milestone in the administration’s effort to strengthen primary healthcare across the state.’
Dr. Jatau said, “To God be the glory for granting us the privilege to witness this event that concerns our health, without which, none of our human activities can thrive.”
He highlighted the progress made in the health sector since Governor Yahaya assumed office in 2019, noting that the state’s budgetary allocation to healthcare has increased from 3.5% in 2019 to 15%, in line with the Abuja Declaration.
Dr. Jatau said that, with World Bank support, 103 PHCs and an additional 66 health clinics had already been revitalised with clean water supply, solar power, medical equipment, and staff housing.
“As we commission these facilities, I emphasise the need for local ownership and sustainability. We must work together to ensure that these facilities continue to serve our people for years to come,” he added.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, explained that the revitalisation programme was initiated to address poor health indicators in the state, particularly in maternal health, malnutrition, and vaccination coverage.
Dr. Ezire of the IMPACT project commended Gombe State for its prudent use of resources.
He said, “Gombe State has set an example by constructing high-quality health facilities with limited funds across Nigeria.”
Similarly, the National Project Coordinator of IMPACT, Dr. Amina Abdu-One Mohammed, stressed the importance of ensuring that health facilities are adequately equipped with infrastructure, medicines, and personnel.
“Now that the structures, personnel, and drugs are in place, all stakeholders must ensure that people are aware of and encouraged to access these services,” she said
The Chairman of the Governing Council of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Ahmed Abubakar Kashere, praised the state government for its commitment to improving healthcare and urged residents to support the administration by making proper use of the facilities.