ACEPHAP, TAConnect, Gombe State Ministry of Health, conduct dissemination and validation meeting for EMBRACE project

Ahead of the official launch of the EMBRACE Project in Gombe State on 29 October 2026, the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Technical Advice Connect (TAConnect), and the Gombe State Ministry of Health have conducted a dissemination and validation workshop to review findings from the facility readiness assessment and qualitative study carried out in preparation for the project’s implementation.

The workshop, held on 28 October 2026 at Travel View Hotel, Gombe State, brought together government representatives, implementing partners, health professionals and other stakeholders to review and validate evidence on the readiness of health facilities to provide maternal and newborn services, as well as findings on barriers and enablers affecting access to maternal and newborn healthcare.

Speaking on behalf of the Gombe State Commissioner for Health, the Permanent Secretary, Gombe State Ministry of Health, Idris Danbiyu Buba, MNI, said the findings presented during the meeting reflect the investments the state has continued to make in strengthening its healthcare system.

“The data documented so far indicates that the state has invested so much in the healthcare system,” he said, adding that the evidence generated would help guide decision-makers in developing informed policies and interventions.

He further noted that the workshop demonstrated the commitment of healthcare workers across the state as well as the complementary efforts of implementing partners working to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Gombe State.

Representing ACEPHAP, the EMBRACE Project Manager, Dr. Fatima Muhammad, presented the objectives of the dissemination and validation meeting, highlighting the importance of bringing stakeholders together to examine the findings, provide contextual insights and build a shared understanding of the evidence generated ahead of project implementation.

The Project Manager from TAConnect, Mr. Adetosoye Adebanjo Moses, provided an overview of the selection of health facilities for the implementation of the EMBRACE Project. He explained the criteria guiding the selection process, the facilities identified for implementation, and other considerations taken into account to ensure that the project is strategically positioned to address priority maternal and newborn healthcare needs.

A major component of the workshop was the presentation of findings from the Facility Needs (Readiness) Assessment, which examined the readiness of health facilities to provide maternal and newborn services in Balanga, Dukku and Yamaltu Deba Local Government Areas. The presentation provided participants with an opportunity to examine the findings, ask questions and provide comments and clarifications based on their knowledge and experience of the health system. This was delivered by the AHFID representative, Dr. Kolawale Olatunbosun.

Prof. Taiwo Amole of ACEPHAP presentation of findings from the formative qualitative research, focusing on the barriers and enablers influencing access to maternal and newborn health services. Participants engaged in discussions to validate the findings and provide additional perspectives that could strengthen the interpretation and application of the evidence.

The dissemination and validation workshop chaired by Dr. Haruna M. Kereng, from TA Connect, is an important step towards ensuring that EMBRACE interventions are grounded in evidence and responsive to the realities of women, newborns, healthcare providers, facilities and communities in Gombe State.

The workshop comes a day before the official launch of the EMBRACE Project in Gombe State on 29 October 2026, marking the transition from preparatory research and assessment towards implementation.

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