Malaria: Yobe Partners WHO, UNICEF, Others

The Yobe State government is partnering the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children's Fund ( UNICEF) and others to bridge the gap in fighting Malaria.

Following the closure of the Support to National Malaria Programme II (SuNMaP2) funded by the Foreign Common Wealth Development Office (FCDO) in the state, the state ministry of health organised a meeting with partners.

The Ministry said it was necessary to bridge the gap created by the closure of SuNMaP2.

Speaking at the meeting, the commissioner of health, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana represented by the executive secretary of the Hospital Management Board (HMB), Dr. Musa Mohammed Baba said the meeting was to provide roadmap to the sustainability of the Programme in the state.

Gana, who appreciated SuNMaP2 said it has impacted positively in the health sector from capacity building, commodity supply to technical support.

He also appreciated the governor for his support on the health sector.

He further stated that the administration of Mai Mala Buni has spent over N160 million between 2019 and 2021 to settle counterparts funds in several health projects with partners across the state.

He said, “The administration of His Excellency Hon. Mai Mala Buni considers the health status of the people of the state with utmost priority.

“Though, the Support to National Malaria Programme II (SuNMaP2)is closing its services due to scarcity of funds created by the COVID-19 pandemic, the state has a workable system that will ensure the sustainability of the fight against malaria disease.”

Stating the government's commitment towards the fight against the disease, the executive secretary, Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina said the government has a blueprint that guides implementation of any health support.

He said, “As we are talking, the government has many policies that minimize out of pocket expenditure through the establishment of agencies such as contributory health agency and drugs and consumable agency among others geared towards sustaining various health plans.”

Other partners include Society for Family Health (SFH) and Management Sciences for Health (MSH).