By Bala Dauda, Damaturu
Health stakeholders in Yobe have unanimously validated a five-year communication and marketing strategy document developed by the Yobe State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (YSCHMA).
Our correspondent reports that the draft was developed by YSCHMA in December 2025 as part of efforts to attract as many citizens as possible into the scheme.
Speaking at the occasion, the state Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr Muhammad Lawan Gana commended YSCHMA team and partners involved in developing what he described “ a robust communication and marketing strategy that would stand the test of time.”
He noted that the establishment of YSCHMA and the Yobe State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (YODMA) by the Gov Mai Mala Buni’s administration had greatly enhanced access to qualitative and affordable healthcare services to the people irrespective of their social status.
The Commissioner, however, charged the management of YSCHMA to ensure effective implementation of the document for the benefit of the people of the state.
Earlier, YSCHMA Executive Secretary, Dr Babagana Tijjani said, noted that effective communication was not optional, but a necessity, especially for an agency of government responsible for the implementation of the contributory health scheme.
“ We recognized that effective communication is not optional, it is very fundamental to achieving our mandate. Beyond policy formulation and service delivery, our success as an agency largely depends on how well we inform, engage and build trust with the people we serve,” he said.
Tijjani expressed optimism that the strategic document validated would reposition YSCHMA for greater visibility, improved stakeholders engagement and increased public confidence in the contributory health scheme in the state.
“The communication and marketing strategy is also designed to address existing communication gaps, enhance awareness and ultimately support increased enrolment and utilization of services across the state”, the ES said.
He expressed his profound gratitude to the Yobe health sector stakeholders, Lafiya-UK Project for supporting the development of the document, which would ultimately assist in the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
