Hussaini Kafi in Kano
As part of their ongoing commitment to improve the health and well-being of women and children, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Canadian government, has provided over 4,300 bottles of vitamin A to the Bauchi State Government.
This donation is part of efforts to ensure a healthier society, especially for vulnerable groups like pregnant mothers and young children.
At the launch of the second round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Bauchi over the weekend, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in the state, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, revealed that the Canadian government, through UNICEF, has contributed 4,300 bottles of Vitamin A.
This donation, valued at N65 million, will provide an estimated 1,405,400 doses aimed at improving the health of pregnant mothers and children.
Dr. Rafique further emphasized that UNICEF has also extended direct cash assistance of N31.6 million to the Bauchi State Government via the State Primary Healthcare Development Board.
The funds are intended to support health interventions for children and maternal health initiatives in the state.
The MNCHW, a week-long initiative, provides crucial healthcare services for pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants, and children under five, focusing on health and nutritional interventions to promote long-term well-being.
The First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, highlighted the vital role of women in the healthcare system. She encouraged women to cultivate nutritious foods in their backyards to fight malnutrition and ensure better health for their families.
Hajiya Mohammed also reaffirmed her husband’s administration’s commitment to improving the state’s healthcare system, calling on parents to take advantage of the various health interventions available.
In his speech, Bauchi State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, celebrated the state’s progress in child healthcare.
According to the latest 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), immunization coverage for children under five has significantly improved, rising from 33% in the 2018 NDHS to 58% in the current survey.
Additionally, Penta 3 vaccine coverage has increased, and measles vaccine coverage has grown from 7% in 2018 to 27% in the latest survey.
Dr. Dambam praised Governor Bala Mohammed for his administration’s commitment to tackling health challenges, with a focus on improving healthcare infrastructure and increasing budgetary allocations for the sector.
However, he also acknowledged the concerning rise in maternal mortality and called for collective efforts to address the issue.
The support from UNICEF and the Canadian government, alongside the ongoing health interventions, marks a critical step in the state’s efforts to ensure a healthier future for its women and children.
