By Editor Daily Fact

A Non Governmental Organization Drug-Free and Health Awareness Initiative (DFHAI) has organized a sensitization programme targeting youths in Gombe State to raise awareness about the rising menace of drug abuse among young people.

The event brought together key stakeholders including religious scholars, traditional rulers, law enforcement agencies, and health professionals, all united in their call for urgent action against drug abuse.

In his address, the Grand Patron of the organisation and Chief Medical Director of the Specialist Hospital Gombe, Dr. Sambo Dawa, highlighted the devastating medical, psychological, and social consequences of drug abuse.

He linked the trend to rising crime rates and mental health issues in the state

Dr. Sambo Dawa, used the furum to commend Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration for its continued support to health-focused initiatives in the state.

Also Speaking the President DFHAI , Dr. Muhammad Haruna, explained that the initiative was established to promote a drug-free society through education and consistent public sensitization.

He emphasized the importance of community participation and urged all stakeholders to sustain the momentum of awareness campaigns.

Dr. Haruna also appreciated the Accountant General of Gombe State, Dr. Aminu Umar Yuguda, for sponsoring the event and for his dedication to youth empowerment and social development.

Prominent speakers at the event included Islamic clerics Sheikh Abubakar Na’ibi and Sheikh Naziru Idris, the District Head of Bolari, Alhaji Auwalu Mai Katifa, and representatives from the Divisional Police Office Low-Cost and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

They all echoed a common warning that the rising trend of drug abuse poses a serious threat to youth development and societal stability.

By Health Reporter

In a concerted effort to enhance public health communication and mobilization, the Malaria Consortium, in collaboration with the Gombe State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), has held a high-level media parley with journalists and key stakeholders ahead of the upcoming Azithromycin Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in the state.

The engagement, which coincided with the State Training of Trainers (SToT), brought together representatives from SMEP, the National Trachoma and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases Control (NTD) programme, state team leads, and media professionals to strengthen coordination and information sharing.

Speaking at the event, the State Project Manager of the SARMAAN II Project, Malam Abubakar Isa, highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting accurate health information and fostering public participation in health campaigns.

“The media plays an indispensable role in countering misinformation, educating communities, and promoting participation in health interventions. Through this collaboration, we can ensure people understand the importance of the Azithromycin campaign and take part actively,” Isa said.

He explained that the Azithromycin MDA is designed to reduce child mortality and control diseases that are preventable through antibiotic use.

According to him, about one million children across Gombe State are expected to receive free doses of Azithromycin during the exercise.

Also speaking, Dr. Obiora Anidebe, Project Technical Specialist, emphasized that the initiative is a partnership involving the Gombe State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, SCIDaR, and Malaria Consortium.

He clarified that the drug is preventive, not curative, urging community members to participate fully while leveraging existing local health structures for effective coverage.

“Azithromycin is not meant for treatment but for prevention. Community support and participation are key to the success of this campaign,” Dr. Anidebe added.

In his remarks, the Director of Public Health, Dr. David Karatu, commended Malaria Consortium and its partners for their consistent efforts in strengthening the Gombe State health system and improving health outcomes.

“This collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of our people. We appreciate Malaria Consortium and its partners for their continued support to the state,” Dr. Karatu stated.

The Azithromycin MDA campaign, scheduled to commence soon, is part of ongoing efforts to protect children under five from preventable diseases and improve overall public health in Gombe State.

By Our Health Correspondent

In a concerted effort to enhance public health communication and mobilization, the Malaria Consortium, in collaboration with the Gombe State Malaria Elimination Programme (SMEP), has held a high-level media parley with journalists and key stakeholders ahead of the upcoming Azithromycin Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign in the state.

The engagement, which coincided with the State Training of Trainers (SToT), brought together representatives from SMEP, the National Trachoma and Other Neglected Tropical Diseases Control (NTD) programme, state team leads, and media professionals to strengthen coordination and information sharing.

Speaking at the event, the State Project Manager of the SARMAAN II Project, Malam Abubakar Isa, highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting accurate health information and fostering public participation in health campaigns.

“The media plays an indispensable role in countering misinformation, educating communities, and promoting participation in health interventions. Through this collaboration, we can ensure people understand the importance of the Azithromycin campaign and take part actively,” Isa said.

He explained that the Azithromycin MDA is designed to reduce child mortality and control diseases that are preventable through antibiotic use.

According to him, about one million children across Gombe State are expected to receive free doses of Azithromycin during the exercise.

Also speaking, Dr. Obiora Anidebe, Project Technical Specialist, emphasized that the initiative is a partnership involving the Gombe State Ministry of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, SCIDaR, and Malaria Consortium.

He clarified that the drug is preventive, not curative, urging community members to participate fully while leveraging existing local health structures for effective coverage.

“Azithromycin is not meant for treatment but for prevention. Community support and participation are key to the success of this campaign,” Dr. Anidebe added.

In his remarks, the Director of Public Health, Dr. David Karatu, commended Malaria Consortium and its partners for their consistent efforts in strengthening the Gombe State health system and improving health outcomes.

“This collaboration demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of our people. We appreciate Malaria Consortium and its partners for their continued support to the state,” Dr. Karatu stated.

The Azithromycin MDA campaign, scheduled to commence soon, is part of ongoing efforts to protect children under five from preventable diseases and improve overall public health in Gombe State.