YoVAM, Lafiya UK Organize Validation Meeting on Human Resources for Health in Yobe

The Yobe State Voice and Accountability Mechanism (YoVAM), with support from the Lafiya UK Programme, convened a one-day validation meeting on Human Resources for Health (HRH) in Damaturu on Wednesday.  

The event brought together key stakeholders to review HRH challenges and strategize on improving healthcare delivery in the state.  

In his goodwill message, Zanna Umaru Ali,Yobe State Team Lead for Lafiya UK and Nigeria Partnership for a Healthier Future, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting Yobe’s health sector.  

"Today, we focus on two critical issues human resources for health and health financing.These are the pillars of a strong health system. Without adequate funding and skilled personnel, progress is impossible,"he stated.  

Ali highlighted the global shortage of healthcare workers,noting that Yobe faces similar challenges, including uneven distribution of personnel, with urban areas better staffed than rural communities. 

He commended the state government’s recent deployment of 62 newly graduated community midwives to 17 LGAs, emphasizing the need for sustained recruitment and proper management of training programs.  

On health financing, he revealed that while Yobe achieved  over 90% budget utilization in 2024, mid-year cuts affected sector performance."This year, the government has approved a 15% health budget allocation,and stakeholders are advocating against further reductions while pushing for timely fund releases".

Earlier,Mohammed Baba Kuchichi, YoVAM Co-Chair for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), outlined the meeting’s objectives to includes; validate human resources for health (HRH)findings from a recent analysis across Yobe’s 17 LGAs and review Q1 2025 health budget performance, including allocations, releases, and expenditures.

He further revealed,others includes; engage CSOs, media, and stakeholders in interpreting findings for policy and service delivery improvements and develop advocacy strategies to influence health sector reforms and budgetary decisions.  

According to him,the session aimed to ensure data accuracy,align with stakeholder perspectives,and chart actionable steps toward a more robust healthcare system in Yobe State.  

Participants agreed on the need for evidence-based advocacy to address HRH gaps and secure sustainable health financing in the state.