By Bashir Hassan
Bauchi State joined the global community on Friday to commemorate World Health Day 2026 under the theme “Together for Health. Stand with Science.” The event, organized by the Bauchi State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the State Primary Healthcare Board in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), featured a road walk through some major roads of Bauchi Metropolis.
Speaking shortly after walk, State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam highlighted the administration’s progress in the health sector, noting intensified investment in disease surveillance and data-driven decision-making. He said the government has prioritized early detection of diseases to prevent outbreaks and ensure timely, targeted interventions across health facilities.
Dr. Dambam commended WHO for its sustained support, saying the partnership has “positively impacted and improved the health sector over the years,” and reaffirmed the state’s openness to further collaboration. He stressed that “the use of science in the health sector cannot be over-emphasized,” adding that government will continue to anchor planning and service delivery on scientific evidence.
WHO State Coordinator Dr. Sani Ibrahim, represented by Dr. Yarima Kucici, said this year’s theme underscores collaboration, evidence-based decisions, and innovative technologies to improve health outcomes. He detailed WHO’s support for Bauchi’s surveillance systems, including active case searches, capacity building for Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers, and monthly review meetings to strengthen outbreak response.
In a goodwill message, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, emphasis on the need for the State not to be so much dependent on donor interventions and added that maternal and child health remains a priority, with ongoing partnerships to upgrade service delivery across facilities.
There were goodwill messages from other health-related agencies applauding the mother Ministry for hosting the commemoration of the World Health Day 2026.
Our Correspondent reports that part of the activities included free testing for blood pressure, hepatitis, malaria and other ailments.
Picture credit: Dan Hajiya Photography
