Gombe Deputy Governor Seeks Stronger Partnership With Rotary International on Snakebite, Polio, Maternal Health

Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, has called for deeper collaboration between the state government and Rotary International to strengthen interventions in snakebite management, polio eradication and maternal and infant healthcare.

Dr. Jatau made the appeal while receiving the District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Dr. Princess Dame Joy Okoro, who paid him a courtesy visit and formally inducted him as members of the Rotary Club.

The Deputy Governor commended Rotary’s global humanitarian impact but urged the organisation to intensify support to critical institutions such as the Kaltungo Snakebite Hospital, which serves the entire North-East and neighbouring countries.

He reiterated the state’s push for the hospital’s upgrade into a national research institute to reduce snakebite deaths.

Dr. Jatau also highlighted the state’s investments in primary healthcare across the 114 wards but noted the need for stronger partnerships to address persistent maternal and infant mortality.

He thanked Rotary for its recent medical outreach, which he said eased the burden on citizens and the government.

In her remarks, Dr. Joy Okoro reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to working with Gombe State to expand humanitarian services, particularly in health.

She encouraged more residents to join the organisation, noting that the state needs additional active clubs to meet growing demands.