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| Gov. Buni addressing the meeting of traditional rulers and stakeholders in the Health sector in Damaturu |
From JOE Hemba
In a momentous gathering at the Government House in Damaturu today, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni addressed traditional rulers, stakeholders, and the public, reaffirming the state's unwavering commitment to the improvement of healthcare services.
The event showcased the state's significant achievements in the Primary Health Care sector and outlined future strategies to enhance the overall well-being of its citizens.
In his address, Gov. Buni celebrated the successful establishment and commissioning of 139 out of the proposed 178 functional Primary Healthcare facilities across the state. He emphasized the critical role these facilities play as the entry point and foundation of general healthcare services, providing quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare to the populace.
Acknowledging the support received, Governor Buni expressed gratitude to traditional rulers for their cooperation and continuous efforts in sensitizing the public about the importance of accessing Primary Healthcare Centres. He also extended appreciation to various organizations, including the Bill And Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and AFENET, for their invaluable support.
Highlighting the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, and UNICEF in August 2021, Governor Buni assured the attendees of the state's unwavering commitment to the MoU and its continuous efforts to strengthen integrated Primary Healthcare services.
The governor proudly announced the allocation of 15 percent of the 2024 budget to the health sector, aligning with the Abuja declaration, Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and health-related Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This commitment reflects the administration's dedication to improving healthcare accessibility and achieving better health outcomes for the citizens.
Governor Buni detailed the administration's deliberate policy of institutionalizing human capital development to align with the government's health development policy. He highlighted the establishment of the Yobe State Contributory Health Care Management Agency (YSCHMA) and Yobe State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (YODMA) to address healthcare financing and provision of quality drugs.
To ensure regulated healthcare service delivery, the governor announced the establishment of the Yobe State Health and Health-Related Facilities Inspection and Monitoring Agency (YOHFIMA) and the Yobe State Emergency Medical Ambulance Services Agency (YEMABUS). Upgrades to several Primary Healthcare Centers and General Hospitals, along with the transformation of four hospitals into Specialist Hospitals, were also outlined as part of the administration's commitment to extending quality healthcare services to more communities.
Governor Buni concluded by calling on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and opinion influencers to support the government's vaccination efforts, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that all eligible children, pregnant mothers, and others receive the necessary doses.
Partners in the health sectors including UNICEF, Bill Malinda & Gate Foundation, Aliko Dangote Afenet all presented good will messages at the event.
