Yobe State Lauds Lafiya UK’s Support for Strengthening CEmONC Services
By Ahmed I Abba
The Yobe State Government has lauded Lafiya UK for its unwavering support in reinforcing the state’s healthcare sector. This commendation was made by the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, during a day-engagement and orientation meeting on SWAP and HOPE Health and Disbursement-Linked Indicators (DLIs) for CEmONC facility focal leads held at Bricks Point Hotel, Damaturu on Tuesday 25th February 2025.
The meeting, aimed at strengthening Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) services in line with SWAp, which brought together heads of secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities across the state. Key objectives included reviewing CEmONC facility readiness, introducing SWAP initiatives, discussing HOPE project DLIs, and outlining the roles of secondary healthcare facilities in achieving these targets.
Dr. Gana emphasised the critical role of CEmONC in reducing maternal and newborn mortality. He highlighted the collaborative effort of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (FMOHSW) and USAID in conducting a nationwide CEmONC assessment to enhance service delivery. Thus, leveraging the flexible programming of the Lafiya UK support to present the findings of the assessment and orient the focal leads on the strategic approach of the SWAp.
“We truly appreciate all the support that Lafiya UK has been providing to ensure the healthcare system of Yobe State moves to the next level. We always work together and we are really appreciative. We will continue to partner and work together to achieve our collective mandates,” Dr. Gana stated.
The commissioner stressed the urgent need of accelerating efforts to reduce maternal mortality, aligning with national actions and the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.
He therefore urged participants to implement discussed interventions promptly and set clear targets.
“This is not business as usual. It is a meeting that has to do with action,” Dr. Gana charged, encouraging participants to actively engage and seek the necessary support.
Mr. Zanna Omar Ali, the Yobe State Team Lead for Lafiya UK, reiterated the organisation’s commitment to supporting the state’s health sector. He explained that Lafiya UK aims to “catalyze some processes and propel the state to act quickly and efficiently” to secure national resources.
He detailed the performance-based financing approach of the HOPE project, emphasising that “you will not get a single kobo until you play your part to achieve the indicator.”
Specifically, he noted that secondary healthcare facilities have incentives tied to CEmONC readiness, “which is why we are here to support your understanding during the meeting.”
The orientation focused on equipping THFs, and SHFs with the knowledge and tools to improve CEmONC services, ultimately contributing to a significant reduction in maternal mortality rates across Yobe State.
