The World Bank has urged Gombe communities to ensure effective utilisation of the 169 revitalised health facilities to enhance access to quality healthcare services.

Onoriode Ezire, task team lead, World Bank IMPACT project, made the call on Saturday during the inauguration of one of the revitalised facilities in the Akko community, Akko Local Government Area of the state.

The World Bank, through its IMPACT project in collaboration with the Gombe State government, has revitalised and upgraded 103 primary healthcare facilities and 66 clinics to “Level 2 Status.”

The project is designed to improve the quality and utilisation of immunisation, maternal/child health services, and malaria control to reduce under-five mortality rates in the state.

Mr Ezire urged the benefiting communities, traditional leaders, and stakeholders to ensure the maximum use of the facilities to improve health services at the grassroots.

He said the common dream that no woman would die while giving birth could be achieved with the new facilities provided; hence, the need for women, men, and other groups to access the facilities.

The World Bank official said the effective utilisation of the facilities by community members would guarantee that the investments and resources committed to the upgrade project didn’t go to waste.

“If these facilities are here and you are not accessing them, then it is a disservice to everybody. I challenge our women and men to take advantage of these facilities and access quality healthcare.

“What you need to access quality healthcare has been provided, so use this place,” he said.

Mr Ezire lauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the proactive and results-driven approach towards strengthening primary healthcare delivery via the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project.

He also hailed the governor’s leadership in securing the state’s inclusion in the multi-state intervention, despite Gombe not being originally listed among the participating states.

Mr Yahaya reiterated his commitment to improving the health and well-being of the people.

Represented by his deputy, Manassah Jatau, the governor said his administration’s commitment resulted in the consistent increase in funding for healthcare in the state’s budget from 3.5 per cent in 2019 to 15 per cent in 2025, in line with the Abuja Declaration.

“We have revitalised 103 primary health centres and an additional 66 health clinics with the support of the World Bank through the IMPACT project.

“These facilities are now equipped with solar power, water supply, basic equipment, and staff accommodation, ensuring that our citizens receive quality healthcare services,” the governor added.

(NAN)