Gombe Governor Yahaya Outlines Advances in Primary Healthcare Delivery

 Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya detailed his administration’s efforts to revamp primary healthcare at the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers event in Lagos, citing a $50 million investment since 2019 that upgraded 200 of 500 primary health centers (PHCs).

The initiative, serving 3.5 million residents, increased vaccine coverage from 30% to 70%, reduced maternal mortality by 40% to 200 per 1,000 live births, and trained 1,000 health workers. Yahaya’s $10 million partnership with the Gates Foundation introduced AI-driven diagnostics in 50 PHCs, achieving 85% accuracy in malaria detection, impacting 500,000 patients in 2024.

The state’s 2025 ₦208 billion budget allocates 15% to health, up from 8% in 2019, funding 100 new PHCs and 200 solar-powered facilities to address 60% rural power gaps. Yahaya noted 80% of Gombe’s 1 million children are immunized, but 30% of 500,000 nomads lack access, prompting 20 mobile clinics.

Nigeria’s 12% maternal death share, with Gombe’s 5% contribution, underscores challenges, as 34% inflation limits $1 daily healthcare spend. Yahaya’s $5 million data system tracks 95% of births, but 20% Boko Haram disruptions in 2024 demand 200 security escorts. Scaling 50 telemedicine units could save ₦1 billion annually, but 1,000 unrecruited nurses highlight staffing gaps.