Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has been commended for approving the recruitment of 640 health workers to enhance primary healthcare services in the state.
The commendation came from Dr. Oluseyi Olusunde, a Health Officer with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in the Bauchi Field Office, during a one-day media dialogue held in Jos, Plateau State.
Dr. Olusunde expressed optimism that this development would help address child mortality in Gombe by ensuring adequate personnel at the state’s various healthcare facilities.
The media dialogue aimed to raise awareness about child mortality in Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States, based on the findings of the new National Health Demographic Survey (NHDS) report.
Dr. Olusunde presented data showing that Nigeria accounts for 10 percent of global child deaths, with rising neonatal, infant, and child mortality rates in Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba. Specifically, the states reported 38, 45, and 37 deaths per 1,000 live births, respectively, underscoring the need for urgent action to curb child deaths.
Dr. Olusunde emphasized that child deaths are preventable and expressed hope that the recruitment of additional health workers by Governor Yahaya would significantly improve child health in Gombe.
He noted that 440 health workers had already been engaged, with 200 more to be recruited, making a total of 640 workers. He stated that with proper distribution across the state’s 114 wards, there would be sufficient staff to address the health needs of the population, reducing child mortality rates.
“There are two key areas we need to focus on: human resources and commodities. In Gombe, for instance, 440 workers have been engaged. We appreciate the governor for approving their direct absorption into the mainstream,” he said.
“With the additional 200 health workers, distributing 640 workers across the state will make a significant impact. With adequate staffing, we should no longer be discussing child mortality because the health workers will be available.”
ALSO READ:Zamfara LG polls: PDP wins all 14 LGAs, 147 councillorship positions
Dr. Olusunde also highlighted the importance of media engagement in addressing child mortality. He urged journalists to be actively involved in coordinating the Primary Healthcare Taskforce in the three states, to stay informed on issues of governance, leadership, resource mobilization, and accountability that affect child health.
“The participation of journalists will help them understand the direction of government policies. The media should be part of the monitoring and accountability structure for primary healthcare,” he said.
Dr. Olusunde further emphasized that media practitioners, by engaging with health workers and supporting their work, could improve the attitudes of health workers and encourage them to deliver better results.
“Primary healthcare is about reaching people wherever they live. Media practitioners are like gatekeepers—they serve as a window to the people,” he said.
“We believe that if the recommendations discussed here today are put into action, we will see positive results. The media is great at mobilizing people and ensuring accountability, and we look forward to the results.”