Gombe State Deputy Governor Commends CIHP’s 17-Year Fight Against HIV/AIDS
Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, has emphasised that health is the cornerstone of all progress, declaring it the foundation upon which every other achievement is built.
He reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to prioritising healthcare in the state, particularly in the fight against HIV/AIDS.
Dr. Jatau stated this while Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun, CEO of the Centre for Integrated Health Programme (CIHP), visited him in his office in Gombe, marking the conclusion of the organisation’s activities and transitions to transitioning to Society for Family Health (SFH).
The Deputy Governor lauded CIHP for its invaluable contributions to the state’s health sector, particularly in HIV/AIDS prevention, maternal and child health, and healthcare capacity building.
Highlighting the significant strides made in reducing HIV/AIDS prevalence, Dr. Jatau noted Gombe’s progress from being one of the states with the highest infection rates in Nigeria to achieving remarkable improvements.
He expressed gratitude for CIHP’s 17 years of dedicated service, particularly in combating HIV/AIDS, and praised the seamless transition of the program to the Society for Family Health, which ensures the continued success of these efforts.
Dr. Jatau also stressed the importance of sustained efforts in healthcare, urging donor partners to establish local laboratories for developing affordable herbal treatments. He called on policymakers to address cultural and psychological barriers to healthcare access, reiterating that health remains the foundation of any developmental progress.
In response, Dr. Bolanle Oyeledun commended the partnership between CIHP and the Gombe State government, celebrating the state as one of only three in Nigeria to achieve epidemic control, with over 95% of those in need of testing having been reached.
She noted that CIHP’s efforts have tested over two million people and provided life-saving treatment to 26,000 individuals, significantly curbing the spread of HIV in the state.
Dr. Oyeledun also highlighted the program’s success in rehabilitating healthcare facilities, training healthcare workers, and screening thousands of pregnant women to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV, ensuring healthier futures for countless children.
She emphasised the importance of sustainability in building on the progress made to further enhance healthcare delivery in Gombe State.
