Guidance Counselling Development Association (GCDA)
The Guidance Counselling Development Association (GCDA) is a leading community-based organization dedicated to improving health outcomes and advancing sustainable development across Gombe State, Nigeria. Since its establishment, GCDA has worked tirelessly to bridge the gap between communities and essential health services, with a strong focus on accessibility, quality, and community ownership.
GCDA’s mission is to strengthen community health systems by delivering high-quality, people-centered services, particularly in underserved and rural areas. The organization implements programs in partnership with government agencies, national and international non-governmental organizations, and donor agencies.
GCDA has built recognized expertise in: Tuberculosis Prevention and Care – Implementing the Community Programmatic Management of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (CPMDT) in collaboration with the Gombe State TB and Leprosy Control Program (TBLS), as part of the Global Fund’s TB/HIV Grant through the Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH). Maternal and Child Health – Running the Helping Babies Breathe (HBB) program to reduce neonatal mortality through healthcare provider training and equipping health facilities. Family Planning and Reproductive Health – Partnering in the Community-Oriented DMPA-SC/Self-Injection Acceleration in Nigeria (CODSAiN) project, supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, to expand access to modern contraceptives and self-injection services.
Provided community-level DRTB diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up, improving cure and treatment completion rates in Gombe State. Trained over 1,000 healthcare providers on family planning methods, enhancing service delivery across all Local Government Areas. Resuscitated newborns and saved lives through the HBB initiative in multiple communities. Strengthened state-level health data quality by pioneering improved monitoring and evaluation systems.
GCDA works closely with: Association for Reproductive and Family Health (ARFH) – as a sub-sub-recipient of Global Fund TB/HIV grants. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation – through targeted maternal health and family planning initiatives. Gombe State Government – particularly the State Ministry of Health and Local Government health offices.