Gombe State has won special award as ‘The Most Innovative State in Primary Health Care” (PHC) at the 2023/2024 PHC Leadership Challenge organised by the Nigerian Governors Forum in partnership with UNICEF, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and supported by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and Dangote Foundation.
The award came with a $400,000 reward for ranking as the second-best state in Primary Health Care Delivery in the Northeast sub-region.
In his keynote address, the minister of health and social welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, lauded the achievements of Gombe State and other award recipients during the event, emphasising the impact of innovation and strong leadership in healthcare delivery.
Professor Pate reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to supporting states in their pursuit of universal health coverage and achieving the health-related Sustainable Development Goals.
Responding, Governor Inuwa Yahaya dedicated the award to healthcare workers in the state who have remained committed to delivering quality services.
“This recognition as the Most Innovative State in PHC, along with the $400,000 reward for being the second-best in primary healthcare delivery, is a result of our collective efforts to enhance healthcare for our people. It underscores our collective resolve to ensure quality healthcare is accessible to everyone, regardless of location or status,” he stated.
Notable achievements of the state government in the health sector include the revitalisation of at least one functional primary health care centre in each of the 114 wards in the state, and upgrading of secondary healthcare facilities notably, the ultra modern Kumo General Hospital in Akko local government area.
