Stakeholders in the health sector in Gombe State, including the health commissioner, Dr Habu Dahiru, the programme officer of the Gombe State Agency for the Control of AIDS (GOMSACA), Mr Hassan Mohammed and others, have lauded the Centre for International Health and Development (CIHP) for its interventions saying it contributed immensely in advancing healthcare in the state.
During an appreciation meeting, the stakeholders made the commendation, marking the culmination of CIHP’s 17-year programme in Gombe State and celebrating a legacy of fruitful collaboration in the healthcare sector.
According to them, through its initiatives, CIHP has forged strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including the Gombe State Ministry of Health, GOMSACA, community-based organisations, private and public health facilities, and faith-based organisations.
They noted that these alliances have enabled the state to effectively execute its programmes, profoundly impacting its healthcare landscape.
“CIHP’s initiatives have positively and immensely transformed healthcare in our state. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our citizens.
“As CIHP concludes its program in Gombe State, its legacy will continue to inspire and influence healthcare initiatives in the state, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come,” Dahiru said.
CIHP’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bolanle Oyeledun, enumerated the organisation’s achievements, which included enhancing capacity-building efforts through mentoring, precepting, and training healthcare professionals across various thematic areas.
She said CIHP provided project facilities to 11 health facilities, the state ministry of health, and GOMSACA, adding that the organisation also offered weekly virtual capacity-building sessions to over 1,500 on-site personnel through Project Echo.
“Additionally, CIHP implemented HIV testing services, improving access to testing, early diagnosis, and linkage to care and treatment services.
“CIHP conducted cervical cancer screenings, screening 13,616 individuals, identifying 410 cases of precancerous lesions, and referring to 25 suspected cancer cases for treatment,” she stated.
She disclosed that over the past 17 years, the organisation tested 20,252 tuberculosis clients in Gombe State.
Our correspondent reports that other activities organised by the NGO to mark their 17 years in the state were dinner and award night and party for orphans and vulnerable children held at Custodian Hotel, Gombe.
The CEO of the centre, Dr Bolanle, also bagged the traditional title of ‘Garkuwan lafiya’ (Health champion) from the emir of Funakaye to recognise her contributions to the state’s health sector.
