Yobe State health insurance programme to cover 38,000 vulnerable women and children, with Buni pledging stronger primary healthcare delivery

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has announced the launch of the Yobe State health insurance initiative aimed at providing coverage for over 38,000 vulnerable women and children under the age of five across the state.

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He disclosed this during a high-level stakeholder meeting in Damaturu on Monday, where he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare as a key driver of socio-economic development.

The meeting brought together traditional rulers, religious leaders, health ministry officials, development partners, and civil society organisations to discuss progress and strategies for expanding healthcare access.

Buni acknowledged the vital support of the Federal Government and development partners, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Aliko Dangote Foundation, UNICEF, and the World Health Organization.

“This administration is committed to healthcare delivery at all levels because a healthy population is indeed an essential asset for speedy socio-economic development,” Buni said.

He highlighted achievements such as the establishment of 142 fully functional primary healthcare centres across the state, the supply of medical equipment and drugs, and the recruitment of over 2,000 qualified health professionals.

“We remain focused on making quality healthcare services accessible and affordable to our people,” he added.

Yobe was recently recognised as the 2024 North East Zonal Champion for the Primary Health Care Leadership Challenge.

The governor also mentioned the establishment of the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency and the Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency to address healthcare financing and reliable medicine supply.

In his call to action, Buni urged traditional rulers to take an active role in promoting health services in their communities. He also asked all stakeholders to implement resolutions from the meeting to close gaps in primary healthcare delivery.

The governor further directed all 17 local government chairmen to collaborate with traditional leaders in tackling drug abuse. He expressed concern about the growing threat it poses in northern states.

“We must act now and proactively to save our youth and the future of the state from the dangers posed by drug abuse,” he warned, stressing that the full weight of the law would be used against traffickers and users of banned substances.

Yobe State Commissioner for Health, Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana, shared positive feedback from a recent supportive supervision exercise conducted by the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, noting that the state ranked among the top performers nationally.

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Dr Baba Gana Kundi Machina, Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Agency, commended traditional rulers for supporting immunisation coverage, although he flagged isolated cases of reconciliation and non-compliance that must be addressed in future campaigns.