By Jamilu Abubakar

The European Union-funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) project is intensifying efforts to improve adolescent and reproductive health services in Adamawa State through preventive healthcare, community engagement and strengthened health systems.

Implemented by the Adamawa State Government with support from UNICEF and UNFPA, the initiative is aimed at reducing maternal, neonatal and child mortality while increasing access to reproductive health information and services.

Health Officer, UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Mr. Oluseyi Olosunde, said adolescents and young people remain a major focus of the intervention due to the growing concern over risky behaviours and their long-term effects on health, productivity and national development.

He explained that the project targets reaching about 75,000 adolescents and young people annually through various platforms and strategies centred on preventive and promotive healthcare.

According to him, the programme goes beyond treatment by equipping adolescents with knowledge and information on sexual and reproductive health rights to help them make informed decisions and avoid health challenges later in life.

Mr. Olosunde noted that insufficient attention to adolescent reproductive health often leads to conditions that require curative and rehabilitative interventions, stressing that prevention remains the most effective approach.

He added that the initiative is empowering young people through health education and improved access to essential reproductive health services.

On maternal health, Mr. Olosunde said the programme is also supporting pregnant and lactating mothers to reduce maternal and newborn deaths through improved access to quality antenatal care and skilled birth attendance.

He disclosed that about 150,000 pregnant and lactating mothers in Adamawa State have benefited from the intervention, while more women are increasingly accessing healthcare services.

To strengthen service delivery, UNICEF has trained over 1,385 frontline health workers and supported the engagement of 336 nurses and midwives to improve antenatal and reproductive healthcare services, especially in underserved communities.

The project has also established community support structures including Mama2Mama groups and Fathers for Good Health to encourage community participation and improve health-seeking behaviour.

Stakeholders say the intervention is contributing to stronger healthcare delivery and creating better opportunities for adolescents and families across Adamawa State.

By Our Health Reporter

Health experts have raised concerns over the rising number of kidney disease cases in Nigeria and across the world, despite improvements in treatment outcomes in some health facilities.

The warning comes as the global community marks World Kidney Day, an annual awareness campaign focused on prevention, early detection, and equitable access to treatment for kidney diseases.

Globally, kidney disease has become a major public health concern. Health data indicates that about 10 percent of the world’s population—more than 850 million people—are living with some form of chronic kidney disease, with many unaware of their condition until it reaches an advanced stage.

Experts say the situation is equally alarming in Nigeria, where about 10 percent of the population—roughly 24 to 25 million people—are estimated to be living with kidney disease, placing a significant burden on the country’s healthcare system.

At the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe, nephrologists say there are signs of progress in the management of the disease.

A nephrologist at the hospital, Dr. Alaya Abdulrashid, said improved treatment and early diagnosis have helped many patients avoid reaching the most severe stage of the illness.

“In Gombe State, about 60 percent of patients are now able to avoid progressing to the dialysis stage, which represents significant progress in treatment and early management,” he said.

However, he warned that the overall number of people developing kidney-related problems continues to rise, describing the trend as worrying.

Dr. Abdulrashid noted that conducting local studies to determine the exact burden of kidney disease in the region remains difficult due to the large number of patients referred from across the North-East.

Health professionals say the growing number of patients reflects broader national and global trends.

A nephrology nurse at the hospital,
AbdulRasheed a Nephrology nurse and
Barnabas Buba Respectively, identified hypertension, diabetes and unhealthy lifestyle practices as major causes of kidney failure.

“In our facility alone, we receive an average of about 20 patients daily seeking care for kidney-related problems,” he said.

Medical experts say these risk factors account for a large percentage of kidney disease cases worldwide. Studies show that about 40 percent of people with diabetes and around 20 percent of people with hypertension eventually develop chronic kidney disease.

Another nephrologist at the hospital, Dr. Abubakar Sadik, noted that access to dialysis remains a major challenge for many patients due to the high cost of treatment, making support from government and philanthropists essential.

Meanwhile,Inuwa Salihu Mshelia, Chairman Nigerian Association of Nephrology Nurses NANN FTH Gombe , commended philanthropist Usman Bello Kumo for providing free dialysis support to kidney disease patients throughout the year 2025.

He called on other well-meaning individuals in Gombe and beyond to emulate the gesture in order to ease the financial burden on patients undergoing dialysis treatment.

Mshelia also urged members of the public to protect their kidney health by drinking adequates water, avoiding self-medication, and seeking medical attention early when symptoms arise.

As part of activities marking World Kidney Day, nephrologists at the hospital organized a health talk with patients, where they highlighted preventive measures and the importance of early screening.

However,the experts lamented inadequate funding, describing it as a major challenge affecting awareness campaigns and early screening programmes aimed at tackling the growing burden of kidney disease in the region.

The theme for this year’s World Kidney Day is “Kidney Health for All: Caring for People, Protecting the Planet.”

Health professionals say that with early screening, healthy lifestyle choices and improved access to treatment, many cases of kidney failure can be prevented or effectively managed.

By Our Correspondent

A delegation from Youth O’clock has paid a courtesy visit to the Gombe State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (GODMA), congratulating the Executive Secretary, Pharm. Abubakar Muhammad Hassan, on his appointment while exploring areas of collaboration.

During the visit, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer of Youth O’clock Gombe State, Maryam Muhammad Khaleed, presented a concept note outlining a proposed medical outreach programme. The initiative is designed to provide health screening, treatment, and community education across the state, with a focus on common health concerns including malaria, typhoid, ulcers, diabetes, blood pressure disorders, and abdominal ailments.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, its leader, Comrade Abdulazeez Sani Labaran, described the appointment of Pharm. Hassan as well deserved and urged him to discharge his responsibilities with honesty and integrity. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Executive Secretary’s family to healthcare development in Gombe State and beyond.

Comrade Labaran further expressed appreciation to Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for the appointment, describing it as a commendable decision that would strengthen the state’s health sector.

He highlighted several initiatives undertaken by Youth O’clock, including tree-planting campaigns, conflict mediation and resolution efforts, capacity-building workshops, advocacy programmes, medical outreaches, peace dialogues, amnesty programmes, Youth Week celebrations, participation in public hearings, anti-drug abuse campaigns, and media engagement activities.

In his response, Pharm. Abubakar Muhammad Hassan welcomed the proposal and expressed readiness to partner with Youth O’clock in enhancing healthcare delivery in the state. He commended the organisation for its commitment to community service and encouraged members to sustain their efforts, noting that “serving humanity is next to serving God.”

The visit concluded with a group photograph, symbolising the beginning of what both parties described as a promising partnership aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of communities across Gombe State.