Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency

04/12/2025

Governor Inuwa Yahaya Leads Fresh Push with Gates Foundation to Boost Polio Immunization Efforts in Hard-to-Reach Areas

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, earlier today received a delegation from the Gates Foundation, led by the Global Polio Director, Kathy Neuzil.

The meeting, held at the Gombe Governor’s Lodge in Abuja, centred around deepening partnership to improve polio immunization coverage, particularly in hard-to-reach and security-challenged communities across Northern Nigeria.

Discussions also explored measures to strengthen security coordination, community mobilization and monitoring frameworks, with clear timelines and milestones to accelerate progress toward a polio-free Nigeria.

As Chairman of both the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) and the National Economic Council (NEC) Committee on Polio Eradication, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his commitment to supporting the nation’s efforts to eradicate polio.

He acknowledged the vital role played by the Gates Foundation and emphasized the need for sustained partnership, particularly in areas where insecurity poses challenges to field operations.

“It is true that some states are contending with serious security challenges that hinder field workers from reaching certain communities.
As Chairman of the NEC Committee on Polio Eradication, I will continue to engage my colleagues and relevant security agencies to strengthen access. If it requires special security arrangements to protect health workers, we are fully prepared to facilitate that.”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya disclosed that new security strategies are already being deployed and expressed confidence that these measures will significantly improve accessibility and ensure the safety of frontline workers in the next round of immunization campaigns.

He assured the Foundation of his continued support in facilitating cooperation among Northern governors to enhance immunization coverage and sustain the drive toward eradication.

He referenced the “Gombe model”, built on strong community ownership, coordinated structures and consistent political will, as an approach that can be replicated across the region to achieve better outcomes.

In her remarks, the GF Global Polio Director, Kathy Neuzil, expressed concern over the limited access to many communities due to insecurity and sought sustained collaboration with Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in his dual roles as NSGF Chairman and NEC Polio Committee Chairman, to help engage state leaders and security agencies in providing the necessary cover for field workers administering the polio vaccine.

She praised the Governor’s leadership and the significant progress recorded in Gombe State, noting that donors closely monitor levels of political commitment, community engagement and action-driven milestones.

“We commend the remarkable political will in Gombe,” Neuzil said.

She added that, “Working together with state governments, especially under your leadership at the NSGF, gives us confidence that the remaining gaps can be closed.”

Governor Inuwa Yahaya was joined in the meeting by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru; Executive Secretary of GoHealth, Dr. Abubakar Musa; and the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu.

The Gates Foundation delegation included Kathy Neuzil, Global Polio Director; Yusuf Yusufari, Deputy Director; and Andrew Stein, Deputy Director.

Ismaila Uba Misilli
Director-General
(Press Affairs)
Govt House Gombe

02/12/2025

...Gombe Takes Lead as EU-Backed Solar for Health Project Debuts 🔥

Gombe State Government, in partnership with the European Union _(EU)_ , has formally unveiled the Nigeria_ "Solar for Health Project", signaling a renewed commitment to innovative, sustainable healthcare solutions. The ceremony, held amidst collective feedback from both state and non-state actors, underscored a shared determination to strengthen health systems through clean and reliable energy.

A key highlight of the launch was the inauguration of the Project Implementation Steering Committee an important strategic step designed to guide and coordinate the forthcoming phases of the project. While full implementation is about to commence, the establishment of this committee sets the foundation for a smooth rollout once activities begin. It represents the groundwork for what is expected to become a flagship model of energy-powered healthcare delivery.

As one of the seven states selected to benefit from the initiative, Gombe stands out for its readiness and its proactive leadership under Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (CON). His administration’s vision, firmly backed by action, continues to position the state as a frontrunner in adopting sustainable interventions that support the wellbeing of its people.

The _Solar for Health Project_ is anticipated to equip health facilities across the state with dependable solar power systems, ensuring improved service delivery, enhanced resilience, and greater access to care once implementation gets underway. Stakeholders expressed optimism that the project will ultimately expand service hours, strengthen maternal and child healthcare, preserve vaccine and cold-chain systems, and transform the experience of patients in both urban and rural communities.

As the state prepares for the next phase, it is fitting to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Gombe State Government and to all citizens of goodwill who continue to support progressive initiatives such as this. Special commendation is also due to the _Project Coordinator,_ Umar Wanda, whose dedication to service and consistent commitment to critical assignments have earned him this leadership responsibility. There is strong confidence that, under his guidance, the project will move from vision to impactful reality.

26/11/2025

Gombe Health Agency Evaluates October 2025 Campaign...
..Receives National & WHO Feedback

The Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA) held a post-campaign review meeting on the October 2025 Integrated Campaign, with a primary focus on the newly introduced Measles-Rubella vaccine.

The meeting, held at Layla Hotel in Gombe and chaired by the Executive Secretary of the SPHCDA, Dr. Abdulrahaman Shuai’bu, had in attendance representatives from the state and all 11 Local Government Councils, as well as members of the national team and partner organizations.

The forum received feedback from the national team, routine immunization updates from the State Immunization Officer, and engaged in a Question & Answer session with the World Health Organization. It also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange ideas based on the data elements presented.

17/11/2025

The weekly Integrated Coordination and State Immunisation Plus Days (SNIP) State Planning Meeting is currently underway at the Gombe SPHCDA conference room.

In collaboration with partners, the meeting reviews the Action Tracker, status updates on SNIPDs, SMS FP, and weekly analyses. It also features updates from the Advocacy, Community and Social Mobilisation Working Group (ACSM-WG), as well as briefings on the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) and other Working Groups.

03/11/2025

25/10/2025

Gombe State Marks World Polio Day with Awareness Road Show (Oct-24)

The Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA) joined the rest of the world in commemorating World Polio Day on Friday with a colourful road show aimed at raising awareness on the fight to eradicate poliomyelitis.

World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, is dedicated to increasing public understanding of efforts to end polio, celebrating health workers and volunteers, and renewing commitments to ensure every child is protected through vaccination.

Speaking during the event, the Executive Secretary of the GSPHCDA, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu, represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization, highlighted the global and national successes recorded in polio eradication. He noted that under this year’s theme, “Together We End Polio – Building a Healthier Future,” Gombe State remains vigilant against the threat of the disease.

He expressed appreciation to Rotary International, WHO, UNICEF, and other development partners for their continuous support toward sustaining polio-free certification in Nigeria. He also commended the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other stakeholders for their collaboration and urged parents to ensure their children receive all routine immunizations.

Representatives from NPHCDA, Rotary International, AFENET, as well as traditional and religious leaders, also spoke during the event. They described poliomyelitis as a highly infectious disease that mainly affects children under five and can lead to permanent paralysis or death. They emphasized that vaccination remains the most effective protection against the virus and applauded the Gombe State Government for prioritizing healthcare delivery.

Speaking on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, the State Coordinator, Pharm. Bonet Samuel, reiterated that ending polio in Africa requires sustained coordination across borders, reaching zero-dose and under-immunized children, expanding surveillance and sequencing capacity, and maintaining high-quality outbreak response.

He further emphasized the need for continued commitment, adequate financing, and coordinated action at all levels to achieve complete eradication.

The road show, which commenced at the Emir’s Palace and concluded at the Government House, featured lectures and the presentation of awards of recognition by Rotary International to individuals and institutions that have supported polio campaigns and immunization coverage in the state.

Award recipients included the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru; Shongom Local Government Chairperson, Hon. Fatima B. Bello; the Chairman, Council of Emirs and Chiefs, HRH Alhaji Shehu Abubakar III; and leaders of Christian and Muslim organizations, among others.

23/10/2025

GSPHCDA & UNICEF Strengthen Joint Supervision to Enhance Immunization Campaigns Across Gombe State*

The Gombe State Primary Healthcare Agency and UNICEF have stepped up joint supervision across the state to ensure the successful implementation of the Integrated Measles-Rubella (MR), Polio, HPV, and Routine Immunization (RI) campaigns.

A high-level UNICEF delegation, led by Dr. Rownak Khan, UNICEF Deputy Representative in Nigeria, and Mr. Shaikh Humayun Kabir, Health Manager for Immunization, was received by the Executive Secretary of GSPHCDA, Dr. Abdulrahman Shu’aibu.

During the three-day mission, the team visited several sites, including state’s Cold and Dry Stores, to assess vaccine storage and campaign readiness. The delegation expressed satisfaction with the state’s preparedness and commended health officials for their commitment to ensuring smooth implementation.

UNICEF representatives also joined the State Evening Review Meetings at the Agency's Conference Hall, where partners reviewed progress, addressed challenges, and strengthened coordination for better results.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, the team reaffirmed UNICEF’s continued support for Gombe State’s efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes.

21/10/2025

: The State Primary Health Care Development Agency is conducting its evening review meeting in the data control room to assess the implementation of the Measles Rubella campaign.

21/10/2025

📍DAY FOUR COUNTING. One Million Reasons To Vaccinate💉

As Gombe- marked the fourth day of the Measles Rubella vaccination campaign in state, we're seeing encouraging progress in our efforts to protect children from these vaccine-preventable diseases.

The campaign, which targets over one million children between the ages of nine months and fourteen years, has been met with enthusiasm from parents and caregivers who recognize the importance of vaccination in safeguarding their children's health.

We urge all parents and guardians to bring their children forward for vaccination. The Measles Rubella vaccine is not only free but also safe and effective in preventing these diseases. By vaccinating your children, you're not only protecting them from the risks of measles and rubella but also contributing to the overall health and well-being of our community.

Let's work together to reduce morbidity and mortality from vaccine-preventable diseases.
VISIT YOUR NEAREST VACCINATION CENTRE TODAY AND ENSURE YOUR CHILD'S FUTURE IS BRIGHT AND HEALTHY.

21/10/2025

🚨Gombe-St Trains Health Data Officers on Azithromycin Safety & Antimicrobial Resistance under SARMAAN II

The Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency has commenced a 2-day (20- to 21 Oct. 2025) training for Data Officers across the 11 LGAs as part of the SARMAAN II project, focused on the Safety and Antimicrobial Resistance of Mass Administration of Azithromycin among Children aged 1–59 months.

The training, anchored by the Institute of Medical Research, eHealth Africa, and the Malaria Consortium in collaboration with the Gombe State, is aimed at reducing under-five mortality by evaluating the effectiveness, safety, and antimicrobial resistance associated with Azithromycin (AZM) as a complementary child survival intervention.

Speaking on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu, the State NTD Coordinator, Malam Danlami Hammayedi, emphasized the training’s focus on achieving wide coverage, identifying implementation challenges, and establishing best practices for tracking antimicrobial resistance.

17/10/2025

Gombe First Lady Flags Off 2025 Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign

The First Lady of Gombe State, Hajiya Dr. Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, has officially launched the 2025 Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign, reinforcing the state government’s commitment to child health and disease prevention.

The flag-off event took place at the Gombe Emir’s Palace, drawing attendance from health officials, traditional leaders, development partners, and community stakeholders.

Dr. Asma’u Yahaya highlighted the importance of immunization in preventing childhood deaths and lifelong complications from vaccine-preventable diseases. She urged parents and caregivers to ensure all eligible children aged 9 months to 5 years are vaccinated.

> “The health of our children is the health of our future. I call on every parent to take this exercise seriously,” she said.

The Board Chairman of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency (GSPHCDA), Dr. Yau Kashere, emphasized the campaign as a testament to the government's dedication to equitable healthcare access across all communities.

Dr. Abdulrahman Shuaibu, Executive Secretary of the GSPHCDA, confirmed that vaccines and logistics have been fully deployed across all 11 LGAs to ensure a smooth rollout. He also commended the First Lady for her ongoing advocacy for maternal and child health.

In a show of local support, Chairman of Gombe LGA, Barr. Sani Haruna, pledged full collaboration to ensure widespread awareness and complete coverage in his area.

The campaign aligns with national efforts to eliminate measles and rubella, strengthen routine immunization, and promote child survival across Nigeria.

Zahrah Umar Adamu SSA to the Governor on Media, Office of the First Lady, Gombe State