The Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance have boosted primary healthcare services in rural communities across the 11 local government areas of Gombe state.
During a visit to Daniya village, one of the communities in Kwami LGA, the residents said the interventions by the two organisations has transformed Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and improved women’s and children’s health.
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A resident, Malam Musa Sani, said before the interventions, people in areas like Jauro Tale, Dinawa, and Wuro Chitta often traveled long distances to seek medical care, a journey that often worsened their conditions.
According to him, currently because of the interventions, services including routine immunisations, antenatal care, and treatment of minor ailments, are readily available within their community.
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The Immunisation Officer of Kwami LGA, Suleiman Abdullahi said the Daniya PHC now serves 60 to 70 patients daily, treating common ailments such as malaria, dysentery, and diarrhoea.
He commended members of the UNICEF’s ‘Mama2Mama Initiative,’ for driving greater acceptance of immunisations, with community volunteers visiting homes to raise awareness.
Representing of Daniya’s District Head, Malam Abubakar Haruna, expressed gratitude for the support brought to families, noting that incentives provided to patients and families encourage them to use the vital services, which were previously out of reach.
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Health extension worker, Babangida Babayo described working with the GAVI Initiative as rewarding, as he witnesses the community’s increasing trust in immunisation.
However, the community leaders called on the state government to provide perimeter fencing for the Daniya PHC, additional staff to meet growing demand, improved laboratory and maternity facilities, an emergency vehicle, and expanded water access.
