Rebecca Caleb Maina
In its continued efforts to curb maternal and newborn deaths, Gombe State is rolling out a unified, multi-stakeholder intervention under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) a strategy that health experts say could significantly improve outcomes for women and children across the state.
Recent data from the 2023 Nigeria Health Demographic Survey (NHDS) reveals that eight Local Government Areas in Gombe still record high maternal mortality rates largely preventable with timely and quality interventions.
According to Dr Suraj Abdulkarim, the Coordinator of SWAP in Gombe, the Maternal and Newborn Improvement (MAMI) initiative will be launched as a central pillar of the state’s strategy supported by the Federal Ministry of Health to turn the tide.
“Health is on the front burner of Inuwa Yahaya’s administration and it is determined to bring these numbers down by investing in people, infrastructure, and partnerships,” Dr Abdulkarim stated.
In alignment with World Health Day 2025, themed “Healthy Beginnings, Higher Futures”, Gombe State is reinforcing its commitment to reducing maternal and newborn deaths through a coordinated, stakeholder-led strategy that prioritises community-level impact and sustainable healthcare delivery.
What’s Being Done?
Dr Abdulkarim said the Gombe state government has already renovated 114 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and is set to upgrade another 114, with a strong emphasis on providing skilled delivery services in rural and underserved areas.
These facilities, He added, are now better positioned to offer basic emergency obstetric care.
Dr Abdulkarim noted.“Government is equipping them with the right tools, skilled health workers, and systems that work even in the most remote villages.”
He said to ensure rapid emergency response, Gombe planning to commence a 48-hour emergency ambulance service,and that mobile clinics will also be deployed to reach hard-to-access communities all in an effort to reduce infant and maternal mortality
To address human resource for health challenges, the Gombe State SWAp Coordinator said human resource audit is underway to identify and address staffing gaps, with ongoing capacity-building initiatives for frontline healthcare workers.
He said community awareness campaigns will be intensified through the involvement of traditional and religious leaders who are breaking down cultural barriers and encouraging women to seek skilled birth services.
He said according the NDHS survey fewer than 50% of births in Gombe currently occur in health facilities noting that efforts are ramping up to change that. “We will work with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and community stakeholders to change attitudes and save lives,” he said.
“We recognise their influence and will engaged them through training and collaboration.”The SWAp model means one voice, one plan, and one commitment—to reduce maternal and newborn deaths in Gombe State.” Dr Abdulkarim added.
Key Partner
Dr Abdulkarim noted that the initiative enjoys the support of major development partners including the Federal Ministry of Health, UNICEF, World Bank, UNFPA, Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI),Global Fund and the Society for Family Health
“These Partners have been supporting in various areas of health interventions across Gombe State ” Dr Abdulkarim said .
Advice to Women, Leaders & Stakeholders
Dr Abdulkarim urged women especially in the rural areas to seek antenatal care early, deliver in certified health facilities, and report any complications promptly.”Our health facilities are improving. Don’t delay care. Delivering at home is risky,” he said .
“It’s not weakness to seek help or weakness to deliver in the hospital it is for safety of the mother and baby “Dr Abdulkarim added.
To traditional and religious leaders Dr Abdulkarim said “Continue using your voice to promote safe motherhood. Our communities trust you, and your support makes a difference.Let’s deepen investment and collaboration.
“One maternal death is one too many. We can and must do better or our mothers, our children, and our future.” Dr Abdulkarim added.
Conclusion
According to Medical Experts, coordinated approach, strong leadership, community engagement, and committed partners, Gombe State is poised to tackle maternal and child mortality through the Sector-Wide Approach aligning with the World Health Day 2025 theme: “Healthy Generations, Hopeful Futures.”