CIHP’s 17-year partnership results in HIV epidemic control in Gombe

Gombe State, Nigeria has made significant strides in controlling the HIV epidemic, thanks to a collaborative effort between the Centre for Integrated Health Programmes and various stakeholders.

The Chief Executive Officer of CIHP Dr Bolanle Oyeledun, alongside her team paid courtesy visit to the Gombe State Deputy Governor, Dr Manassah Jatau, as part of the programme’s close out activities said the state has achieved a remarkable 95 per cent of people needing to be tested, with over 2 million people and 1 million pregnant women screened.

The journey according to Oyeledun began in 2007 when ICAP, Colombia University, came to Gombe as part of a sustainability plan for the nation, the programme was later transitioned to CIHP, which continued to work with the state government, community-based organisations, and primary healthcare centres.

At the time of CIHP’s arrival, full-blown AIDS was rampant in the state, with no group supporting the government to address the epidemic. However, through a well-designed and implemented programme funded by the United States Government and PEPFAR, CIHP was able to help control the epidemic.

“In 17 years, Gombe State has become one of the states in Nigeria with HIV control, under epidemic control. CIHP’s efforts have led to the identification of over 26,000 HIV-positive individuals, with all of them receiving comprehensive ART treatment. For pregnant women found positive, CIHP has enabled them to commence ART treatment not only for their own disease but also to prevent transmission of the infection to their unborn babies,” Oyeledun added.

She said the organisation has also worked tirelessly to identify and treat people with dual infections with Tuberculosis. Additionally, CIHP has built capacity among healthcare workers, resuscitated schools of health technology and school of nursing and midwifery, and restored their accreditation.

The CIHP’s CEO said the partnership has also led to the establishment of a comprehensive ART programme at the Federal Teaching Hospital, with a viable world-standard PCR machine that meets international standards.

Oyeledun attributed the success of CIHP’s efforts in Gombe State to the robust partnership that has been established and strengthened trust among stakeholders.

She added, “The organisation has worked closely with the Ministry of Health, Gombe State Agency for HIV Control, Primary Health Care Development Agency, Health Management Board, Immunisation Team, and others.”

Oyeledun disclosed that as CIHP transitions its programme to the Global Fund, adding “it will be working closely with Society for Family Health to continue building on gains and sustaining them.”

Responding the Gombe’s State Deputy Governor, Dr Jatau lauded the CIHP for its pivotal role in combating HIV/AIDS and enhancing healthcare delivery over the past seventeen years.

Jatau underscored CIHP’s steadfast commitment and resilience in reducing the prevalence of HIV-AIDS since its inception.

He expressed satisfaction with the programme’s transition to the Society for Family Health, ensuring its sustainability.

“We are grateful for CIHP’s intervention in managing HIV-AIDS since 2007,” remarked Dr Jatau, reflecting on past statistics where Gombe, Benue, and Taraba once had the highest prevalence rates. “We are pleased to see significant improvements.
Acknowledging the support of donor partners.”

He emphasised the need for culturally sensitive healthcare policies to overcome barriers preventing access to treatment, urging openness in addressing health issues for societal well-being and development.

Jatau commended CIHP’s contributions in Tuberculosis management, primary healthcare enhancement, and broader healthcare initiatives, reflecting CIHP’s comprehensive impact on public health in Gombe State.

The CIHP delegation was also at the Ministry of Health where they were received by the Commissioner for Health Dr Habu Dahiru.

Dahiru assured of continued support for sustaining CIHP’s achievements highlighting successes such as expanded HIV/AIDS screening, maternal health services, and improvements in community-based and laboratory services.

“We have also Achieved the 95,95,95, meaning 95 tested,95 on treatment ,95 on viral suppression in Gombe anywhere go in this country Gombe stands tall,” the Commissioner added

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining these gains.

At the Federal Teaching Hospital Gombe the Chief Medical Director Dr Yusuf Abdullahi, praised CIHP for significantly improving healthcare outcomes in the state and its surrounding areas.

He affirmed CIHP’s partnership with FTH for enhancing laboratory services and healthcare delivery overall.

PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that CIHP is a multi-funded indigenous not-for-profit, non-governmental organisation established in 2010 to promote better health outcomes for all Nigerians through sustainable partnerships and locally adapted, rigorously tested approaches.

CIHP has achieved demonstrable experience, successes and established innovative landmarks over the course of its twelve years of operations, including experience in rapid programmatic design, mobilisation of technical assistance and direct health service delivery.