By Sani Adamu Hassan
The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the health sector through science-driven policies, innovation and collaboration as part of activities marking the 2026 World Health Day.
Speaking during the commemoration, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, said this year’s theme, “Together for Health, Stand with Science,” underscores the need for governments, health professionals, researchers and communities to unite in advancing healthcare through evidence-based interventions.
He said the administration of Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed has continued to prioritize the health sector since assuming office, noting that the declaration of a state of emergency in health had helped to fast-track key reforms and interventions.
According to him, the state government is investing in health data systems, digital health technologies and capacity building for healthcare workers to improve service delivery and respond effectively to emerging health challenges.
Dambam said the government is also focusing on strengthening primary healthcare services, expanding community-based health education campaigns, promoting research and data-driven decision-making, and enhancing partnerships with academic institutions, development partners and the private sector.
He stressed that science must go beyond laboratories and policy documents to reach communities at the grassroots, adding that effective communication and community engagement remain critical to successful health interventions.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, said the state had recorded improved disease surveillance and response systems, leading to increased detection of outbreaks such as Lassa fever, cholera, yellow fever and cerebrospinal meningitis.
He explained that the rise in reported cases was largely due to stronger surveillance mechanisms and more active disease tracking across communities.
Muhammad added that the state had established local government-level response systems and technical working groups to improve outbreak preparedness and emergency response.
On his part, the Managing Director of the Drug and Medical Consumable Management Agency DMMA, Pharmacist Abdulkadir Ahmed, said the government had approved over N500 million to ensure the availability of essential medicines across health facilities in the state.
He disclosed that 350 facilities are currently operating under the Drug Revolving Fund scheme, with plans to expand medicine coverage to at least 50 per cent of health facilities before the end of the year.
The World Health Organization representative, Dr. Yarima Kucici, commended the state’s efforts in strengthening disease surveillance, data collection and real-time reporting systems.
He said the use of digital tools and community informants had improved early detection of outbreaks and enhanced evidence-based decision-making in the health sector.
The World Health Day commemoration brought together key stakeholders in the health sector, including government officials, development partners and health professionals, all of whom renewed their commitment to building a resilient and science-led healthcare system in Bauchi State.