By Rayyanu Bala

As Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh marks his first anniversary as Executive Secretary of the Nasarawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (NAPHDA), it is only fitting to reflect on a year defined by vision, energy, and measurable progress. Appointed by  Engr. Abdullahi Sule, on 2nd October, 2024, Dr. Saleh’s leadership has been nothing short of transformative as well as revitalizing a critical sector long in need of reform and direction.

In just 12 months, Dr. Saleh has breathed new life into Nasarawa’s primary healthcare system. His administration has implemented initiatives that significantly improved access to care, enhanced service quality, and strengthened partnerships with international health organizations. From expanded immunization coverage to upgraded facilities and increased health worker capacity, the impact has been both broad and deep.

One of the most notable testaments to his leadership is the international recognition received in the last one year. The prestigious Awards through development partners such as the Dangote Foundation, UNICEF, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the tune of $1.7 million, along with multiple accolades from global NGOs, affirms that Nasarawa State is not just recognised in the world map in terms of national health programmes but the state is also participating toward helping in shaping the direction of these programmes.
Indeed, these honours reflect lives saved, diseases prevented, and communities uplifted through purposeful governance.

What makes these achievements even more remarkable is the pace. Rather than easing into bureaucracy, Dr. Saleh hit the ground running by assembling a capable team, aligning with development partners, and pushing forward with a clear, evidence-based strategy.

Dr. Saleh’s invitation to the National Policy Dialogue on Adolescent and Youth Sexual Reproductive Health and Development in Abuja highlights his relevance at the national level. His contributions are helping to shape Nigeria’s youth-focused health agenda, in alignment with national initiatives like the Adolescent Health Development (AHD) Policy and the Yo-Health program.

Under his leadership, Nasarawa state has moved from the periphery to the center of national policy discourse, particularly on issues affecting vulnerable groups such as adolescents and young people.

Dr. Saleh’s proactive stance in planning and executing vaccination campaigns is another standout feature of his leadership. The 2025 Measles-Rubella Integrated Campaign Stakeholders’ Engagement Meeting demonstrated his commitment to inclusive leadership, drawing in partners like WHO, UNICEF, and local community leaders.

He also plays a critical role in the State Task Force on Immunization and PHC Services, chaired by the Deputy Governor. Under his guidance, the agency has effectively responded to outbreaks of Lassa fever, diphtheria, and Mpox. His openness to assessments and swift corrective actions are hallmarks of a results-driven, transparent leader.

The Effective Vaccine Management Assessment (EVMA) by UNICEF and CHAI revealed one of the most well-maintained cold chain stores in Nigeria, located in Nasarawa. Such accolades are not earned by chance; they are the product of vision, discipline, and follow-through embarked upon by Dr. Saleh.

A recent oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Health Services affirmed NAPHDA’s effectiveness under Dr. Saleh’s leadership. The Committee praised Nasarawa’s performance on key indicators: BHCPF fund utilization, PHC functionality, and immunization coverage. Their verdict was clear, Nasarawa is a “leading performer” in Nigeria’s primary healthcare landscape. All thanks and glory must therefore go to Dr. Saleh for these wonderful recognition.

This recognition is a product of sound planning, strategic resource management, and robust partnerships with the Federal Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.

Dr. Saleh has been a consistent and influential voice in quarterly review meetings organized by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). His participation in the First and Third Quarter PHC Review Meetings in 2025 ensured that Nasarawa’s programs stayed aligned with national priorities, including the HOPE-PHC initiative, revised BHCPF guidelines, and last-mile visibility systems.

These engagements are critical for decision-making and scaling innovations and Dr. Saleh has made sure Nasarawa state is not just represented but actively contributing to shaping national health reforms.

Dr. Saleh’s strength in stakeholder coordination was on full display at the PHC System Strengthening Project Dissemination Meeting in Akwanga. Alongside development partners like TACONNECT and SOCIOPADAIL, the meeting emphasized his ability to forge strong links between government, partners, and communities.

His inclusion in the state’s delegation led by Engr. Abdullahi Sule to the World Bank office in Abuja, alongside the Commissioners for Health and Finance, also speaks to his broader developmental role beyond health administration. He is a strategic voice in advancing Nasarawa’s health holistic development agenda.

While celebrating the achievements of the past year, Dr. Saleh remains keenly aware of the challenges ahead, challenges in areas of founding gaps, infrastructure deficits, and community hesitancy in adopting some health interventions. But his leadership over the last year has proven that with commitment and the right partnerships, these challenges are not insurmountable. Through his commitments and advocacy, today in Nasarawa state, immunization awareness has taken its roots at the grassroots unlike what was obtainable in the past.

As he enters his second year in office, expectations are rightfully high. With growing local and international support, a skilled team, and a clear vision, Dr. Saleh is well-positioned to deepen and expand the impact of NAPHDA’s work.

In a country where public service is too often marred by inefficiency and complacency, Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh offers a different narrative. A narrative of proactive, inclusive, and results-oriented leadership. His first year at the helm of NAPHDA is not just an anniversary to be marked; it is a case study in what competent, visionary leadership can achieve.

As Nasarawa marches toward Universal Health Coverage, this first year of Dr. Saleh has opened a new chapter in building a stronger, more resilient, and equitable health system for all in Nasarawa state.