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.

By Our Health Reporter

The Association of Radiographers of Nigeria (ARN), Gombe State Chapter, has commended the Executive Governor of Gombe State, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, for approving the long-awaited adjustment of the CONHESS and COMMESS salary structures for health workers across the state.

In a statement signed by the President of the association, Aishatu Abdullahi Dukku, the group described the gesture as “a remarkable step toward improving the welfare, motivation, and productivity of healthcare professionals in Gombe State.”

According to Dukku, Governor Yahaya’s administration has made tremendous progress in revitalizing the state’s health sector, particularly through the rehabilitation of hospitals across all the 114 wards of the state, as well as the ongoing renovation and construction of new healthcare facilities.

She also highlighted the establishment and achievements of the Federal Medical Centre, Kumo, which she said has expanded access to quality healthcare services and strengthened medical capacity in the state.

While expressing appreciation for the government’s continuous investment in healthcare, Dukku acknowledged the governor’s commitment to upgrading medical equipment and infrastructure.

> “Gombe State now has a sufficient number of qualified radiographers. We are particularly grateful for the provision of Digital Radiography (DR) equipment at Kumo Medical Centre, General Hospital Bajoga, and the Specialist Hospital Gombe,” she said.

Dukku explained that before the introduction of DR technology, many hospitals relied on analog systems, which sometimes led to misdiagnoses. She noted that the transition to digital systems has greatly enhanced the accuracy and efficiency of radiographic services, adding that radiographers’ work in the state is now running smoothly and effectively.

The association, while commending Governor Yahaya’s commitment to health workers’ welfare, urged its members to remain dedicated, professional, and selfless in the discharge of their duties. She emphasized that their collective effort would continue to drive the development of the healthcare system and ensure better health outcomes for citizens of the state.

In conclusion, the Association of Radiographers of Nigeria, Gombe State Chapter, congratulated Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya on his 64th birthday, praying for his continued good health, wisdom, and success in steering the affairs of the state toward greater progress and prosperity.