From Sani Gazas Chinade, Damaturu
The Yobe State Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, has intensified efforts to ensure the success of the forthcoming Outbreak Response (OBR) campaign by engaging media personnel, social media influencers, and U-Reporters at a strategic meeting held on Thursday, April 30, 2026.
In a press statement issued by the Information and Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Primary Health Care Board (YSPHCB), Adamu Saidu Abba, the engagement took place at the Medical and Health Workers Union in Damaturu. It brought together key stakeholders to enhance communication strategies, promote public awareness, and mobilize community participation ahead of the campaign scheduled for next week.
Chairing the meeting, the Executive Secretary of the Yobe State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr. Babagana Kundi Machina, underscored the importance of the OBR campaign in protecting communities from preventable disease outbreaks. He stressed that the media remains a vital partner in disseminating accurate information and encouraging public compliance.
Dr. Machina was represented by the Director of Community and Family Health, Alhaji Ibrahim Maikasuwa, fsi, who delivered the welcome address and appreciated participants for their commitment to public health advocacy.
A goodwill message was presented by Dr. Usman Matazu, the State Consultant for the Gates and Dangote Foundations, who commended the collaborative efforts of the government, development partners, and the media in advancing healthcare delivery in the state.
The meeting featured a series of technical presentations focusing on the objectives and overall framework of the engagement. Stakeholders were also taken through an overview of the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), alongside detailed reports on the outcomes of Social and Behavioral Change Communication (SBCC) and Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) activities in the state.
The presentations were delivered by experts, including UNICEF SBCC consultants, CHAN leads, UNICEF data consultants, and Non-Stop consultants. They highlighted progress made and identified areas requiring strengthened collaboration, particularly in tackling misinformation and improving vaccine acceptance.
In his closing remarks, the State Immunization Officer and Incident Manager, Dr. Lawan Yau, reiterated the state’s commitment to a successful OBR campaign. He called on all stakeholders to sustain momentum, enhance coordination, and ensure effective grassroots sensitization.
The event concluded with a closing prayer led by the State Health Promotion Officer, marking the end of a productive engagement aimed at reinforcing partnerships and ensuring a well-coordinated outbreak response across Yobe State.