By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
The Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria-Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, reaffirmed UNICEF commitment to survival and ensure women and children in Nigeria have a good life to contribute to the development of the nation.
Speaking at the launching of the second round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) of Bauchi State held on Saturday, the UNICEF chief, Dr. Nuzhat also reiterate unwavering commitment to supports Bauchi state in advancing primary health care systems and saving children’s lives.
Nuzhat Rafique noted that the Canadian Government, in collaboration with UNICEF, had provided the State with over 4,300 bottles of Vitamin A which will translate to 1,405,400 doses, valued at ₦65 million.
She added that, UNICEF has extended direct cash assistance of ₦31.6 million to the State Government, through the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, to support health interventions for children.
The MNCHW is a week-long initiative providing healthcare interventions to pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants, and children under the age of Five.
In her address Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Abdukadir Muhammad, emphazised the vital role women play in improving family health and urged them to cultivate nutritious foods in their backyards to protect their children and families from malnutrition.
The First Lady emphasize the commitment of the present administration of Governor Bala Muhammad Abdulkadir towards improving the healthcare system in the state.
Muhammad called on parents to avail their children the opportunity to benefit from the myriad of interventions being provided.
Also speaking, Commissioner of Health, Dr Sani Muhammad Dambam, highlighted significant progress made by the state, as reflected in the latest data from the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
He stated that the state’s immunisation coverage for children aged U-5 had improved from 33% in the NDHS (20I8) to 58% in the 2023/2024 data.
He stressed that similarly, Penta 3 vaccine coverage increased substantially, and coverage for measles vaccines rose from 7% in the 2018 NDHS to 27% in the current survey.
He used the forum to commend the Bauchi state Governor, Sen Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad for showing strong commitment to addressing health challenges, through prioritizing health as a central pillar of his administration towards improving of healthcare infrastructure and increased budgetary allocation to the sector.
The Commissioner however acknowledged the rise in maternal mortality rate, where he called for delivberate effort towards arresting the disturbing indices.
In his remarks, the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Muhammad emphasized the need of ensuring good hygiene among women, which according to him, helps in addressing various diseases in the society.
The triumph reports that, the week-long initiative provides comprehensive healthcare interventions to pregnant women, nursing mothers, newborn, and children under the age of five years
Wife of the Bauchi state governor, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, emphasised the importance of antenatal care, hospital delivery and post natal as it helps reduce pregnancy and child birth related complications.
She urged women of reproductive age to engage in backyard farming where they can grow nutritious foods and vegetables to improve their nutritious status.
Aisha Bala Muhammad called on parents to avail their children the opportunity to benefit from the myriad of interventions being provided.
Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr Sani Muhammad Dambam, said the state:s indices has improved according to the 2023/2024 National Demographic Health Survey (NDHS).
He stated that the state’s immunisation coverage for children aged twelve to twenty-three months had improved from 33% i n the NDHS (20I8) to 58% in the 2023/2024 survey .
Dr Sani Muhammad Dambam acknowledged the rise in maternal mortality rate, where he called for deliberate efforts towards addressing the issue.
Rimawaglobalnews reports that, the week provides ANC services, vitamin A supplementation, de_worming, health talks on nutrition and routine immunization services.
