As the lead implementing partner for the USAID-funded ACE-2 project in Jigawa State, GGHN hosted a forum of USAID partners to update the state government on their program progress, identify areas of collaboration, and plan advocacy efforts with the newly appointed Commissioner of Health. Representatives from the Jigawa State Agency for the Control of AIDS (JISACA), the Ministry of Health (MoH), and other USAID Implementing Partners (IPs) such as SFH, Heartland Alliance, Chemonics, JSI, and SCIDaR attended the forum.

The IPs presented their activities, achievements, challenges, and opportunities for integration and synergy across various projects. The forum provided an opportunity for the IPs to meet with the new Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abdullahi Umar, who was recently appointed by the Executive Governor of Jigawa State, His Excellency Alhaji Muhammad Badaru Abubakar. The IPs congratulated Dr. Umar on his appointment and briefed him on their work in the state.

Dr. Umar expressed his appreciation for the support of USAID and its partners and his commitment to improving health outcomes for the people of Jigawa State. At the end of the meeting, all IPs committed to holding regular meetings to share updates, best practices, lessons learned, and resources. They also agreed to work together to develop a joint advocacy plan to engage with the Executive Governor and other key stakeholders in the state.