Hussaini Ibrahim 
BAUCHI, Nigeria – The Fathers for Good Health (F4H) initiative is helping to improve maternal and child healthcare outcomes in Bauchi State by increasing immunisation uptake, antenatal care attendance and the use of skilled birth services across participating communities, officials say.
Speaking at the fathers for Good Health Award Ceremony in Bauchi on Thursday, Governor Bala Mohammed described the programme as a transformative community-driven model that is strengthening healthcare delivery through male engagement.
Represented by Deputy Governor Mohammed Auwal Jatau, the governor said fathers have become critical partners in promoting positive health-seeking behaviours and improving family healthcare decisions.
“This event is a celebration of excellence and a recognition of the vital role that community ownership and male involvement play in advancing public health outcomes,” he said.
According to the governor, the programme has expanded from two local government areas to 10, enabling thousands more families to benefit from awareness campaigns on immunisation, maternal healthcare and child nutrition.
He disclosed that the state government released more than ₦872 million into the Primary Healthcare Memorandum of Understanding Basket Fund last year to support routine immunisation, maternal health services and nutrition interventions.
“Our administration remains committed to ensuring that every resident has access to quality healthcare services through sustained investments and strategic partnerships,” he said.
Bala Mohammed also highlighted Bauchi’s partnership with UNICEF through the Child Nutrition Fund, which facilitated the procurement of nutrition commodities worth more than ₦600 million.
The intervention delivered 4,562 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food and 15,419 cartons of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements to combat malnutrition.
Commissioner for Health, Sani Muhammad Dambam, said increased male participation significantly improves access to immunisation, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance.
“When fathers support immunisation, antenatal care and skilled birth attendance, families are more likely to access essential health services,” he said.
UNICEF Team Lead in Abuja, Asnakew Tsega, commended Bauchi’s commitment to the programme and called for its expansion to all 20 local government areas.
“The success recorded so far demonstrates that engaging men is critical to improving immunisation coverage and maternal health outcomes,” Tsega said.
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Korede Abdullah 
Mirian Gom 
