Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya detailed his administration’s efforts to revamp primary healthcare at the Gates Foundation’s Goalkeepers event in Lagos, citing a $50 million investment since 2019 that upgraded 200 of 500 primary health centers (PHCs).
The initiative, serving 3.5 million residents, increased vaccine coverage from 30% to 70%, reduced maternal mortality by 40% to 200 per 1,000 live births, and trained 1,000 health workers. Yahaya’s $10 million partnership with the Gates Foundation introduced AI-driven diagnostics in 50 PHCs, achieving 85% accuracy in malaria detection, impacting 500,000 patients in 2024.
The state’s 2025 ₦208 billion budget allocates 15% to health, up from 8% in 2019, funding 100 new PHCs and 200 solar-powered facilities to address 60% rural power gaps. Yahaya noted 80% of Gombe’s 1 million children are immunized, but 30% of 500,000 nomads lack access, prompting 20 mobile clinics.
Nigeria’s 12% maternal death share, with Gombe’s 5% contribution, underscores challenges, as 34% inflation limits $1 daily healthcare spend. Yahaya’s $5 million data system tracks 95% of births, but 20% Boko Haram disruptions in 2024 demand 200 security escorts. Scaling 50 telemedicine units could save ₦1 billion annually, but 1,000 unrecruited nurses highlight staffing gaps.