ADSPHCDA-IOM-JICA Steering Committee Holds 3rd Meeting to Strengthen Access to Basic Health Services in Adamawa The Steering Committee of the ADSPHCDA–IOM–JICA project convened its third meeting on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the ADSPHCDA Board Room, Yola. The hybrid meeting—held both in person and virtually—focused on ongoing efforts to expand access to quality health services for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities across Adamawa State. The project, titled “Strengthening Access to Basic Health Services for IDPs, Returnees, and Host Communities,” is implemented by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ADSPHCDA) in collaboration with the International Organization for Migration (IOM), with funding from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The session was chaired by Barr. Bello Hamman Diram, Honorable Commissioner for Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, Reintegration, and Humanitarian Services. Key stakeholders present included: • Dr. Sulaiman Saidu Bashir, Executive Chairman, ADSPHCDA • Dr. Mary Paninga, Executive Chairman, State Primary Care Agency (SPC) • Representative of the Executive Secretary, ADSEMA • Dr. Paul Margwa, DPRS ADSPHCDA / Secretary, Steering Committee • Mr. Maliki Himidine, Head of IOM Sub-Office, Yola • IOM Project Manager and technical leads from various project components The meeting opened with a prayer and welcome remarks from Dr. Sulaiman, who commended IOM and JICA for their unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access for vulnerable populations. In his opening address, Barr. Bello Diram emphasized the importance of coordination and collaboration among partners, noting that the project is aligned with the Adamawa State Government’s broader health sector revitalization agenda. Committee members received detailed updates on key project components, including: • Cash-for-work interventions • Engagement and training of health workers • Tracking of service delivery • Community engagement and social behavior change • Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) activities • Revitalization and construction of PHC facilities The meeting featured a lively Q&A session, with members offering valuable feedback and recommendations to enhance project delivery and ensure timely results. In his closing remarks, the Chair commended the milestones achieved so far and encouraged continued commitment to quality implementation. He reaffirmed the state’s dedication to the project, in line with the vision of His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, Executive Governor of Adamawa State, who has prioritized healthcare as a cornerstone of development. This project remains a critical pillar in the state’s journey toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and improved health outcomes for all.