By Ahmed Liman Kingimi
Borno State, Nigeria — In a momentous close-out ceremony, Prof. Muhammad Arab Alhaji, Executive Secretary of the Borno State Primary Healthcare Development Board, expressed pride and optimism about the state’s ongoing commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services.
Represented by Hajia Fati Ali, Director of Disease Control, the event highlighted the remarkable achievements of the AdoptAPHCNaija Challenge, an innovative initiative aimed at boosting immunization coverage and community trust in healthcare.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Alhaji emphasized that primary healthcare remains the cornerstone of an equitable and effective health system.
“Our government is dedicated to expanding access, improving service delivery, and ensuring that every child, mother, and family can access functional, trusted, and youth-friendly health facilities,” he stated.
What made the challenge particularly special, he noted, was its spirit of collaboration and innovation. Implemented by the Foundation for Alternative Learning in Underserved Communities with support from UNICEF and the Government of Canada, the initiative mobilized and trained 30 young advocates. These youth champions worked tirelessly across ten primary healthcare centers in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere, effectively reaching communities with vital health messages.
The efforts of these young advocates made a tangible impact, reaching approximately 900,000 individuals through house-to-house mobilization, radio broadcasts, and digital storytelling aimed at dispelling myths and fostering trust in vaccination programs. Over 11,900 caregivers engaged directly with the advocates, resulting in a 44 percent increase in routine immunization uptake — far surpassing the project’s initial target of 25 percent.
Prof. Alhaji praised the dedication and courage of the youth advocates, noting, “You have proven that with the right support, young people can drive measurable impact in public health.
” The achievements of this initiative underscore the power of community engagement and youth participation in transforming healthcare outcomes”.
As Borno State continues to build on these successes, officials remain committed to leveraging innovation, partnership, and youth empowerment to create a healthier future for all its residents.
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