Chukwu Obinna 
DAMATURU, Nigeria – The Yobe State Government has announced a transition plan to sustain family planning programmes previously supported by The Challenge Initiative (TCI), committing over N100 million to ensure continuity.
At a dissemination meeting in Damaturu, Executive Secretary of the Yobe Primary Health Care Board, Dr Babagana Kundi Machina, revealed that N73 million has already been released. “The partnership has increased budgetary allocation and strengthened healthcare worker capacity,” he said.
Director of Community and Family Health Services, Alhaji Ibrahim Maikasuwa, noted the improvements. “Before TCI’s support, access was poor and knowledge was low. Today, our health workers are better trained and delivering results,” he explained.
Yobe’s Sexual Reproductive Health Coordinator, Hajiya Mairo Yakubu Hassan, highlighted innovations such as Whole Site Orientation, which educates all staff at health facilities. She expressed optimism that contraceptive prevalence could rise above 15 per cent within two years.
TCI Programme Manager in Yobe, Dr Philimon Yohanna Mamza, assured stakeholders of continued support. “We are not pulling out completely. Light technical assistance will remain to ensure a smooth handover,” he said.
TCI Communication Officer, Dr Lukuman Olatoshe, added that three years of programme support had built robust local capacity. “The state can now sustain reproductive health interventions independently,” he stressed.
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