IOM, JICA And Adamawa State Commission ,9 New Primary Healthcare Centres To Strengthen Community Resilience

Hanny Henry

The International Organisation For Migration (IOM) in partnership with the Adamawa state government has Commissioned 9 health care services facilities funded by the government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) a major stride toward strengthening healthcare delivery and promoting sustainable development, across eight Local Government Areas of the state.

The commissioning ceremony marks a significant milestone in Adamawa’s ongoing efforts to rebuild resilient communities, enhance access to essential services, and promote long-term recovery across areas affected by conflict, displacement, and environmental challenges.

The IOM-led project, titled “Accelerating Access to Basic Services for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees, and Host Communities in the North-East Region,” aims to strengthen local health systems and community resilience.

In his address, Ahmadu Umaru Fintri, the governor of Adamawa state, expressed deep appreciation to the Government and people of Japan, as well as IOM, for their partnership in driving transformative development initiatives across the state.

The governor who was represented by Kaletupwa Farauta, the deputy governor noted that health remains a top priority of the administration.

“We are implementing projects across 68 PHC facilities in all 21 Local Government Areas under our guiding principle of ‘leaving no one behind and nothing untouched.’ This initiative complements our broader agenda to phase out IDP camps, foster durable solutions, and advance the Humanitarian Development, Peace Nexus.” the governor affirmed

She also acknowledged the persistent challenges posed by climate change, flooding, and communal crises, which continue to strain essential services and displace families.

“These realities strengthen our resolve to do more, we remain firmly committed to expanding access to healthcare and improving community wellbeing across Adamawa State.”

She urged the people of Gyawana  Community to make judicious use of facility, protect and safeguard it, ensuring no woman lose her life in the process of childbearing

Earlier, speaking at the event, Dimanche Sharon, the chief of mission, IOM Nigeria commended the strong collaboration between the state government, local communities, and international partners.

“These facilities are more than buildings they are symbols of hope and healing,” the representative stated.

“Through a $4.48 million grant from the Government of Japan, we have not only constructed essential infrastructure but also laid the foundation for inclusive health systems that serve displaced persons, returnees, and host communities alike.”

Dimanche also noted that the new and rehabilitated facilities are fully equipped and powered by 24-hour solar energy systems, with additional solar-powered water supply infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water.

She emphasised that the facilities will provide comprehensive services including maternal and child healthcare, mental health and psychosocial support, care for survivors of gender-based violence, and specialized assistance for persons with disabilities and unaccompanied children.

Dimanche further stated that through enhance service delivery, ten additional health workers have been deployed on a temporary basis, pending full absorption into the state’s health workforce.

” Beyond infrastructure, the initiative has trained 219 frontline healthcare workers, integrated digital health technologies, and supported local economies through cash-for-work programmes, entrepreneurship development, and peacebuilding activities

“With three additional facilities currently at 70% completion, stakeholders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing the right to health for all residents of Adamawa State.

Daniel Shagai, the Hama Bachama , represented by, Aguso Bamaiyi, the District Head of Gyawana, urged government IOM and JICA to salvage the communities from hypatitis currently bedeviling the communities.

“One out of 4 death in our community is caused by the “monster” hepatitis”.

In their response, some of the beneficiaries, Rafkatu and Dauda thanked IOM for the support, describing it as timely.

Through the support we were able to pay our children’s school fees, farm and also feed our families.