BY NAJIB SANI, GOMBE
Stakeholders in the health sector in Gombe State including the commissioner for health Dr Habu Dahiru, the programme officer of the Gombe State Agency for the Control of AIDS (GOMSACA) Mr Hassan Mohammed and others have lauded the Centre for International Health and Development (CIHP) for its interventions saying they contributed immensely in advancing healthcare in the state
The stakeholders made the commendation during an appreciation meeting marking the culmination of CIHP’s 17-year programme in Gombe State, and celebrating ‘a legacy of fruitful collaboration in the healthcare sector’.
According to them, through its initiatives, CIHP has forged strong partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including the Gombe State Ministry of Health, GOMSACA, community-based organisations, private and public health facilities, and faith-based organisations.
These alliances, they noted have enabled the state to effectively execute its programmes, making a profound impact on the state’s healthcare landscape.
“CIHP’s initiatives have positively and immensely transformed healthcare in our state. We appreciate their dedication and commitment to improving the health and well-being of our citizens.
“As CIHP concludes its program in Gombe State, its legacy will continue to inspire and influence healthcare initiatives in the state, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.”, commissioner of health, Dahiru said in his tribute.
CIHP’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr Bolanle Oyeledun, enumerated the organisation’s achievements to include; enhancing capacity building efforts through mentoring, precepting, and training healthcare professionals across various thematic areas.
She said CIHP provided project facilities to 11 health facilities, the state ministry of health, and GOMSACA adding that the organisation also offered weekly virtual capacity-building sessions to over 1,500 on-site personnel through Project Echo.
“Additionally, CIHP implemented HIV testing services, resulting in improved access to testing, early diagnosis, and linkage to care and treatment services.
“CIHP conducted cervical cancer screenings, screening 13,616 individuals, identifying 410 cases of precancerous lesions, and referring 25 suspected cancer cases for treatment.”, she stated.
This is just as she disclosed that over the past 17 years, the organisation tested 20,252 tuberculosis clients in Gombe State.
Our correspondent reports that other activities organised by the NGO to mark their 17 years in the state were dinner and award night as well as party for orphans and vulnerable children held at Custodian Hotel, Gombe.
The CEO of the centre Dr Bolanle also bagged the traditional title of ‘Garkuwan lafiya’ (Health champion) from the emir of Funakaye to recognise her contributions to the health sector in the state.
