Gombe State’s commitment to public health took a significant step forward with the inauguration of a 28-member State Public Health Emergency Committee (S-PHEMC), a ceremony that was held at the deputy governor’s office, with Deputy Governor Manassah Daniel Jatau, Ph.D, presiding over the event.
This initiative underscores the state government’s determination to address public health challenges and ensure the well-being of its citizens in various dimensions.
During the inauguration, Deputy Governor Jatau emphasised the importance of health as a foundational pillar for development, stating that without health, progress in other areas becomes untenable. He reiterated the government’s ongoing commitment to providing quality healthcare services, highlighting that a healthy population is essential for economic growth and social stability. This focus on health aligns with broader national goals of improving healthcare access and quality for all citizens.
Jatau called on the committee members to demonstrate commitment, dedication, and being conscious of time in fulfilling their responsibilities. He outlined the pressing health challenges currently facing the country including Gombe State, particularly the rising incidence of mental health issues exacerbated by socioeconomic hardships. The deputy governor noted that the stress of these conditions has led to increased cases of suicide and mental disorders, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive health interventions.
The Committee’s terms of reference include, resource mobilization every quarter for Integrated surveillance and response activities, review annual preparedness and response plans, and to release communique on state epidemic preparedness after each meeting as well as look into any activity relating to health issues.
The Committee is to be chaired by the deputy governor Manassah Daniel Jatau,Ph.D while Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru is to serve as deputy chairman and the Director Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Karatu is to serve as Secretary.
Other members of the committee are, Commissioners of Agriculture and Animal husbandry, Dr. Barnabas Malle, Water, Environment and Forest Resources, Mohammed Saidu Fawu, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Information, Alh. Mohammed Waziri as well as Hon.Commissioner Information, Orientation and culture,Alhaji Mijinyawa Tilde.
Others are, Permanent Secretaries of Health, and Budget and Economic Planning, Alh Jalo Ibrahim, as well as Executive Secretaries of State Health Management Board, State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Abdulrahaman Shuaibu, Gohealth, State Emergency Management Agency, Alh. Abdullahi Haruna Abdullahi, and GODMA.
Other members include, Directors Hospital Services, Medical Services, Planning and Director Disease Control and Immunization, ( SPHCDA). The Chief Medical Director FTH, Gombe, Medical Director, State Specialist Hospital, Representatives of State Traditional Council, Society for Family Health, UNICEF, Chigari Foundation, Centre for Integrated Health Programme, State Coordinator, World Health Organization (WHO) and State Epidemiologist, Dr. Bile Nuhu.
In his remarks the Commissioner of Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru said the establishment of the S-PHEMC marks a proactive approach by the Gombe State government to confront public health emergencies head-on, to provide primary health care services to the citizens and to see to the positioning of things towards mitigating health challenges.
Jack.A.Tasha
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Media and Publicity,
(Deputy Governor’s Office)
