The International Organization for Migration (IOM), in partnership with the Adamawa State Government, has commissioned nine health care facilities funded by the Government of Japan through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a major step towards strengthening health service delivery and promoting sustainable development in the eight local government areas of the state.
This initiative, part of IOM's project titled “Accelerating Access to Basic Services for Internally Displaced Persons, Returnees and Host Communities in the North-East Region”, aims to rebuild resilient communities, increase access to essential services and support long-term recovery in areas affected by conflict, displacement and environmental challenges.
Speaking at the commissioning, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, represented by Deputy Governor Kaletapwa Farauta, commended the Government and people of Japan as well as IOM for their continued partnership in driving transformative development initiatives across the state.
“Health remains the top priority of this administration. We are implementing projects in 68 primary health facilities in all 21 local government areas in line with our guiding principle of leaving no one behind,” Fintiri said. “This initiative is in line with our broader agenda to phase out IDP camps, promote sustainable solutions, and strengthen the humanitarian-development-peace nexus.”
Governor Fintiri acknowledged the impact of climate change, floods and communal crisis on the state's healthcare system, adding that these challenges have strengthened the government's resolve to increase access to quality healthcare and improve community well-being.
He urged residents of the Giwana community to protect and make effective use of the new facility, while stressing the importance of ensuring that no woman loses her life during childbirth.
In his remarks, Dimanche Sharon, IOM Head of Mission in Nigeria, praised the strong collaboration between the Adamawa government, local communities and international partners.
“These facilities are more than buildings – they are symbols of hope and healing,” Sharon said. “Through a $4.48 million grant from the Government of Japan, we have not only built essential infrastructure, but also laid the foundation for inclusive health systems that serve displaced persons, returnees, and host communities alike.”
He revealed that the newly constructed and rehabilitated facilities are fully equipped and powered by a 24-hour solar system, along with solar-powered water supply infrastructure to ensure uninterrupted access to clean water.
According to Sharon, the centers will provide comprehensive services, including maternal and child health care, mental health and psychosocial support, care for survivors of gender-based violence, and specialized support for persons with disabilities and unaccompanied children.
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He said ten additional health workers have been deployed on a temporary basis until full integration into the state's health workforce, while 219 frontline health workers have received training in digital health technologies and service delivery.
Beyond infrastructure, the project also supports local economies through cash-for-work programs, entrepreneurship development and peacebuilding activities. Three additional facilities are currently 70 percent complete.
Also speaking, Hama Bachama, represented by Aguso Bamayi, District Head of Giwana, appealed to the government, IOM and JICA to help tackle hepatitis, which he said has become a major public health threat in the community.
“One out of every four deaths in our community is caused by hepatitis,” Bamayi said.
Some beneficiaries, including Rafakatu and Dauda, expressed gratitude to IOM for the intervention and described it as timely. “Through this assistance, we have been able to pay our children's school fees, do farming and support our families,” he said.
