YoVAM Convenes Stakeholders to Address Health Sector Workforce Gaps

By Yusuf A Yusuf, Damaturu 

The Yobe Voice and Accountability Mechanism (YoVAM), a State-Led Accountability Mechanism (SLAAM) recognized nationally for its role in bridging policy gaps, recently organized a pivotal profiling meeting to address critical human resource shortages in Yobe State’s health sector. 

The event, held in Dutse, Jigawa State, brought together health stakeholders, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and government representatives to strategize on improving workforce efficiency and service delivery.  

In his opening remarks, YoVAM Co-Chair Muhammad Baba Kucici emphasized the meeting’s goal: “to support policymakers in transforming the health sector by identifying gaps in facilities and manpower.” 

He underscored the need for collaborative efforts to ensure effective healthcare services across Yobe’s 178 Primary Health Care Centers (PHCCs) and over 550 facilities under the Primary Health Care Management Board (PHCMB).  

Hassan Kubes, YoVAM Secretary, highlighted the success of the organization’s 2023 Human Resources for Health (HRH) survey, which spanned all 17 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Yobe.

 The research led to increased recruitment of health workers and informed plans to review the document in 2025. “The findings spurred significant progress, including new employments. However, evolving demands necessitate an updated assessment,” Kubes stated.  

A Director from the Yobe State Ministry of Health stressed the importance of aligning staffing benchmarks with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) standards. “Comparing our staffing levels with national requirements will drive measurable improvements in service delivery,” he noted.  

Key gaps identified during the meeting include shortages of technical staff such as pharmacy technicians, radiographers, midwives, nurses, Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs), and Medical Record Officers. These shortages hinder optimal service delivery, particularly in rural catchment areas.  

Participants commended the Yobe State Government for its sustained efforts in recruiting health workers and modernizing infrastructure, which have earned the state national and international accolades.

 The profiling meeting also reviewed YoVAM’s 2023 HRH survey alongside NPHCDA guidelines to advocate for increased hiring of technical staff.  

YoVAM, as a SLAAM initiative, operates across Nigerian states to identify sectoral gaps and foster stakeholder collaboration. Kucici lauded participants and partners, including Lafiya UK, for their commitment: “This meeting marks a crucial step toward a resilient health system. With continued partnership, we can achieve lasting impact.”  

The outcomes of the session are expected to inform advocacy campaigns and policy adjustments aimed at strengthening Yobe’s healthcare workforce ahead of the 2025 HRH review.