In a resounding testament to her unwavering dedication to public health, Dr Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya, the First Lady of Gombe State, has been decorated as the ITN Malaria Prevention Ambassador for the second time by the Malaria Elimination Programme.
The investiture ceremony, held amidst esteemed guests from the National Malaria Elimination Programme Abuja, Commissioners of Health and that of Women Affairs, at Gombe State Government House, celebrated Hajiya Asma’u Yahaya’s pivotal role in championing healthcare initiatives that have positively impacted communities across Gombe State.
Addressing the audience at the investiture ceremony, Commissioner for Health in Gombe State, Dr Habu Dahiru, emphasised the critical importance of malaria prevention activities in Nigeria, particularly in states like Gombe where the disease poses a significant public health challenge.
“Malaria remains a formidable foe in our healthcare landscape, affecting vulnerable populations such as children and pregnant women.
“Under the leadership of Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya, we have seen remarkable strides in our efforts to combat this disease through widespread distribution of insecticide-treated nets and preventive medicines,” he added.
Dahiru emphasised that malaria can be effectively prevented through key measures such as sleeping under insecticide-treated mosquito nets, indoor residual spraying of insecticides, and seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) for children.
He said, “These interventions are crucial in reducing the transmission of malaria, particularly in areas like Gombe State.”
He highlighted that consistent use of mosquito nets, periodic indoor residual spraying, and SMC are proven strategies that significantly contribute to lowering malaria cases and protecting vulnerable populations, including children and pregnant women.
Dahiru also noted that plans are underway to introduce malaria vaccines in Nigeria, following recent roll out in countries like Ivory Coast.
This development the Commissioner said marks a significant step forward in malaria prevention efforts, offering additional protection against the disease and potentially reducing its burden on healthcare systems and communities nationwide.
He commended Yahaya’s commitment to providing quality healthcare to people in the state
Highlighting the collaborative efforts driving these initiatives, the Executive Secretary of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Shuaibu Abdulrahman, commended the First Lady for her pivotal role in enhancing healthcare delivery.
“The first Lady’s advocacy and support have been instrumental in strengthening our healthcare systems,” noted Dr Abdulrahman.
He appreciated the state, federal government and development Partners for supporting the free distribution of ITNs and SMC to prevent malaria in Gombe State.
Yahaya, in her acceptance speech, expressed gratitude for the recognition and reaffirmed her commitment to advancing malaria prevention efforts.
“As the Malaria Prevention Ambassador, I pledge to amplify awareness and mobilise communities to ensure every child receives the necessary preventive measures against malaria, “Through collaborative partnerships with healthcare stakeholders and community leaders, we aim to achieve the highest adherence rates to malaria preventive treatments and net utilisation in Gombe State,” she added.
The Governor’s Wife urged the people of Gombe State to bring out their children aged 3 – 59 months to take themalaria preventive medicine and also themselves available at home, provide correct information to the mobilisers and distributors, and be registered.
“The mobilisation of Households and Administration of SPAQ for eligible children is from 24th-28th July 2024.Please make sure you complete the medicine for 3 days as advised, to have complete-protection of your child from malaria.The nets are safe and effective to protect all members of your family from mosquito bites which spread the parasite that causes malaria while the malaria medicine is safe and effective in preventing your children from having malaria,” Asma’u Yahaya emphasised.
The first lady advised people to ensure that they air the net under a shade for 24 hours as soon as they receive it and before they hang it.
” Ensure you and your family sleep inside every night because when every body sleeps inside the mosquito nets, everybody is protected from mosquitoes that spread malaria.Therefore, encourage your neighbors to hang out and sleep inside their nets every night.The government and partners have played their part by providing malaria preventive medicines for our children and Insecticide-Treated Nets free of charge, do not sell them after collection. My fellow people of Gombe State, play your part by making your children aged 3 – 59 months available to take malaria preventive medicine and collect your nets. Hang and sleep inside the net every night and complete the three-day dose for children 3 to 59 months to have a malaria For a malaria- free Gombe State, Play your part” She emphasised.
The investiture ceremony culminated with a call to action for residents of Gombe State to actively participate in upcoming malaria prevention activities. “Let us join hands to make Gombe State malaria-free,”
urged Asma’u Yahaya.
“Together, we can protect our families and communities from the devastating impact of malaria.”
According to the citation of the first lady read by Hajiya Fatima Ali from the National Malaria Elimination Programme Abuja, her efforts extend beyond mere administrative duties; they embody a heartfelt dedication to ensuring that every child, every family, and every vulnerable person in Gombe State has access to the tools and knowledge needed to combat malaria.
The citation noted that she implemented innovative strategies that resonate with the diverse population of Gombe State. From educational campaigns in local languages to partnering with community leaders for grassroots distribution of mosquito nets, Asma’u Yahaya fostered a sense of ownership and collective responsibility in the fight against malaria.
Her leadership style, characterised by empathy and inclusivity, has not only galvanised support for public health initiatives but has also united communities in a shared mission of disease prevention and health promotion.
With her support Gombe State has witnessed significant advancements in healthcare accessibility and outcomes. By bridging gaps between urban and rural healthcare services
Through her advocacy, she continues to pave the way for sustainable healthcare solutions that prioritise equity and dignity for all.
As Asma’u Inuwa Yahaya embarks on her second term as the ITN Malaria Prevention Ambassador, she remains steadfast in her commitment to leaving a lasting legacy of improved health and quality of life for the people of Gombe State.
Her journey is not just about preventing malaria; it is about building resilient communities that thrive in health and unity. With her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership of Governor Inuwa she continues to inspire hope and catalyse transformative change, setting a shining example in the pursuit of a healthier, malaria-free future.
