The North East region of Nigeria, particularly the states of Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe, is making efforts to revive its health sector, with a focus on Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs). The region has been severely affected by over a decade of insurgency, resulting in the destruction of many health centers.
In Adamawa, all the health centers in the 266 wards have been fully rehabilitated and are now operational. The state government has placed a priority on health and continues to support the centers to ensure their optimal performance.
Yobe has 138 functional health centers, and there is a call for incentives to encourage rural women to seek healthcare services, such as providing sanitary pads and diapers. Access, affordability, quality of care, reputation, and convenience are factors that can promote patronage. The government is also urged to maintain the facilities and raise awareness among the public to take ownership of the healthcare centers for sustainability.
In Borno, where the government is working on the rehabilitation and resettlement of displaced persons, 45 new primary healthcare centers have been constructed and equipped in 19 local government areas (LGAs). Additionally, 18 general hospitals have been rehabilitated in 13 LGAs over the past four years. The commitment to primary healthcare in Borno has earned recognition and an award of excellence from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA). The NPHCDA coordinator praised Borno’s dedication to advancing essential PHC services and immunizations.
