By
Jamilu Abubakar
The Gombe State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STI Control Programme and Trinity Healthcare Foundation, has organized a one-day high-level stakeholders’ meeting aimed at eliminating HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Syphilis in the state.
The summit, with the theme “Synergizing Efforts Towards Elimination: Strengthening Investment, Innovation and Collaboration to End HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Syphilis in Gombe State,” brought together government officials, healthcare providers, development partners, civil society organizations and community leaders
Addressing participants, the Permanent Secretary of the Gombe State Ministry of HEALTH, Dr Idris Buba said despite progress recorded in healthcare delivery, HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis continue to threaten the health of mothers, newborns and vulnerable groups across the state.
He noted that low awareness, stigma and inadequate screening services remain major challenges, adding that many people living with Viral Hepatitis do not know their status.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, GSPHCDA, Dr Abdulrahman Shuaibu said the agency is strengthening efforts to integrate routine screening for HIV, Hepatitis B and Syphilis into antenatal care services across primary healthcare centres in the state.
He said health workers would be trained on rapid testing and treatment, while referral systems and community outreach programmes would be expanded to improve access to healthcare services.
Earlier, the State Programme Manager of the State AIDS, Viral Hepatitis and STI Control Programme, Dr. Muhammad Sanusi, said the meeting was organized to create awareness and mobilize support among policymakers, healthcare providers, civil society organizations and the public towards achieving the Triple Elimination Initiative.
Dr. Sanusi stressed the importance of knowing one’s health status, particularly for Hepatitis B, which often shows no symptoms in its early stages.
According to him, early testing and diagnosis remain key to detecting the disease and ensuring timely treatment.
Participants at the meeting called for stronger collaboration, increased investment and sustained commitment to ensure that no child in Gombe State is born with HIV, Hepatitis B or Syphilis.
