Chima Azubuike
Media professionals, journalists and social media influencers in Gombe State have been urged to take the lead in promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and intensify efforts to combat stigma, gender-based violence and discrimination in their communities.
The call was made during a quarterly engagement meeting held on February 22, 2026, organised by Jhpiego in partnership with Kishimi Shelter and Care Foundation, with support from Johns Hopkins University.
Speaking at the meeting, the Field Officer, Josephine Ogenyi, said the engagement was aimed at strengthening the capacity of media practitioners to report accurately, ethically and responsibly on SRHR issues, while amplifying anti-stigma campaigns across the state.
“The quarterly meeting brought together journalists to enhance reporting on SRHR issues, media professionals to develop effective and culturally sensitive messaging, and social media influencers to broaden the reach of anti-stigma campaigns,” she said.
“Our goal is to empower them to become SRHR champions within their respective communities and help dismantle harmful stereotypes, stigma and discrimination affecting target populations.”
Ogenyi explained that the engagement forms part of a pilot project titled Advancing Integrated Health Services Delivery for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Communicable Diseases, an eight-month intervention spanning three local government areas — Gombe, Akko and Kaltungo.
According to her, the project will be implemented in 15 primary healthcare facilities, with five facilities selected in each LGA.
In Gombe LGA, the supported facilities are Pantami PHC, Tudu Wada PHC, Town Maternity PHC, Kumbiya-Kumbiya PHC and the Family Support Clinic.
In Kaltungo LGA, the facilities include Gujuba PHC, Kalorgu PHC, A.T. Shamaki PHC, Ture PHC and Sabon Layi Awak PHC.
Similarly, in Akko LGA, the project covers Kashere PHC, Pindiga PHC, Tumu PHC, Panda PHC and Kumo PHC.
Ogenyi noted that advocacy and community sensitisation activities have already commenced across the three LGAs and the 15 health facilities, with active participation from key stakeholders, as part of efforts to expand access to integrated SRHR services and reduce stigma at the grassroots level.
“We are working closely with Ward Development Committees, faith-based organisations, traditional rulers, PHC coordinators, Mother-to-Mother groups, Fathers for Good Health and other relevant stakeholders to sensitise communities,” she said.
She added that the project is focused on increasing service uptake in antenatal care (ANC), gender-based violence (GBV) reporting and support services, sexually transmitted infection (STI) treatment, HIV services and cervical cancer screening.
“We are intensifying sensitisation and awareness creation on early ANC attendance, reporting of GBV cases, HIV testing and cervical cancer screening. Women and adolescent girls are encouraged to visit the supported PHCs for cervical cancer screening and other essential services,” Ogenyi stated.
Also speaking, participants at the meeting pledged to use their platforms to promote accurate information and reduce stigma surrounding SRHR and communicable diseases.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that Jhpiego, an international non-profit organisation focused on global health, particularly reproductive health and family planning, is leading the intervention to strengthen integrated health service delivery and improve health outcomes among vulnerable populations in Gombe State.
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