HIV/AIDS: Centre receives accolades over support services in Gombe
From Hajara Usman, Gombe
Stakeholders from the Centre for Integrated Health (CIHP), on Tuesday gathered in Gombe to celebrate the centre’s remarkable achievements for almost two decades.
The occasion marked the closeout of CIHP’s operations in Gombe in the last 17 years, highlighting the centre’s legacy of compassionate care and community empowerment.
The stakeholders acknowledged that CIHP had become more than just a provider of HIV services in Gombe, as it had grown into a lifeline, and a community embodying the power of integrated and compassionate care.
Speaking on behalf of the Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) that collaborated with CIHP in Gombe, Mr. Emmanuel Hezekia, Programme Manager of Nightingale, emphasised the instrumental role of the three CBOs to the programme’s success.
Hezekiah highlighted the contributions of Nightingale Women Health Initiative, Kishimi Shelter and Care, and Gamuna Care and Support Foundations, which collectively impacted more than 20,000 households.
He also acknowledged the essential services the two foundations provided to more than 100 orphans and vulnerable children (OVCs), across various thematic areas.
“We ensured that all households enrolled in the programme received critical HIV services.
“This included adherence support for treatment, facilitating the return of clients who missed appointments, and ensuring timely viral load collection.
“We also focused on early infant diagnosis of HIV and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission.
“Also, we worked to protect households from violence, ensuring a safe environment for OVCs, and provided educational support, including school fee waivers.
“Furthermore, households were empowered with financial education and introduced to Village Loan and Savings Associations, enabling them to engage in income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods,” Hezekiah stated.
Mr. Ibrahim Kabir, Chairman of the Network of People Living with HIV in Gombe State, praised CIHP for restoring hope to members of their association, particularly through empowering 7,000 women to establish small-scale businesses.
“CIHP’s doors were always open, welcoming anyone who needed help.
“Whether someone was newly diagnosed or had been living with HIV for years, the centre offered more than just medical treatment; it offered hope,” Kabir said.
He also noted that CIHP played a crucial role in reducing the stigma associated with HIV in the community.
“In the past, many lives were lost unnecessarily due to stigma.
“But through strong community engagement, CIHP has fought stigma and prioritised community needs, leading to better outcomes in viral suppression among those living with HIV,” Kabir explained.
Dr. Polina Doka, Principal of the School of Nursing and Midwifery in Gombe, commended CIHP for securing a five-year accreditation for the college, by equipping its library with necessary facilities.
On behalf of the Gombe State Government, Mr Mohammed Jalo, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, expressed gratitude for the services rendered by CIHP.
Jalo assured CIHP that the Ministry would do everything within its power to sustain the legacies it was leaving behind in Gombe.
