Adamawa Introduces Integrated Services to Boost Healthcare Delivery

Daji Sani in Yola

The Adamawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) has launched an innovative operational shift known as “Integrated Services” to enhance healthcare delivery in the state. This strategic move aims to provide a combination of essential health interventions, including immunization, deworming, and nutrition services, simultaneously at the point of delivery.

The Executive Chairman of ASPHCDA, Dr. Sulaiman Bashir, while addressing  journalists in Yola, Adamawa state capital, explained that the new strategy is designed to streamline healthcare operations, reduce costs, and expand outreach, particularly in hard-to-reach areas. With this approach, communities can access multiple services during a single visit, saving time and enhancing coverage.

Dr. Bashir highlighted the agency’s significant progress in improving immunisation rates, expanding family health services, and promoting community engagement. 

He praised the support of journalists in shaping public opinion and promoting behavioral change, noting that the media remains a crucial ally in the agency’s mission to improve public health in Adamawa.

According to him, the agency is also implementing “In-Between Rounds Campaigns” to reach those who were missed during main campaigns, especially mobile populations and conflict-affected communities. Dr. Bashir acknowledged the  lingering challenges, including low health-seeking behavior and the spread of misinformation in some communities, and stressed the need for consistent and accurate messaging through the media.

In response to the recent flood disaster in Yola South, Dr. Bashir confirmed that all primary healthcare facilities in the affected areas remained functional. Health workers were immediately dispatched to temporary camps to provide emergency services, including immunization, antenatal care, and treatment for common ailments.

Dr. Bashir emphasised the need to prevent disease outbreaks and urged the media to continue sharing life-saving messages on hygiene, sanitation, and disease prevention. On the issue of malnutrition, he described the situation as dire, particularly in high-risk areas, and called for increased investment in nutrition interventions and expanded media collaboration.

The ASPHCDA boss also highlighted the importance of addressing hepatitis, commemorating World Hepatitis Day 2025 with the theme “Let’s Break it Down, Let’s Take Action.” He appealed to media professionals to help amplify messages on prevention and care, saying, “Together, we can break the silence and build healthier communities.”

Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Bauchi, Dr. Nuhzat Rafique,  emphasised the need for a holistic and multi-sectoral approach to improve child and maternal health in Adamawa State. She underscored the importance of early and exclusive breastfeeding, proper nutrition, clean water, sanitation, and access to healthcare services.

According to her, the event highlighted the agency’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery in Adamawa State and the need for continued collaboration with the media and other stakeholders to promote public health. By working together, the agency aims to build healthier communities and improve the overall well-being of the people