… laments the death of pregnant women, children Sub-5
The Bauchi State Government, through the State Primary Health Board, with the support of the United Nations Childhood Fund (UNICEF), on Monday, marked the first 2025 round of the Maternal Health Week, newborn and childhood integrated with HPV.
Speaking at the ceremony held at Bayan Fada PHCC, Bauchi, executive president of the State Board of Primary Health Development, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, declared that there will be vaccination against HPV for girls from 9 to 14 years in 323 neighborhoods, including schools throughout the state.
He said: “This one -week activity serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to ensure that each mother, newborn and children have access to medical care services, and need to prosper. It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to improve maternal and child health results, not only for this week, but every week.
“As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that are coming, we recognize the tireless efforts of Governor Balance Abdulkadir Mohammed for their numerous interventions to the health sector, while at the same time our health workers, volunteers and development partners who work tirelessly, day after day, provide quality attention to mothers and children in our communities in our communities in our communities.
“Its dedication and compassion are the basis of our medical care system and its commitment to improve maternal and child health. As we celebrate this week, let's focus on important elements that form the basis of the MNCH activity in the state of Bauchi.”
He explained that there will be health interventions throughout the week in all health centers, including vitamin A supplementation, deworming medication, continuous Anc/PNC services, MMS supplementation, birth registration, advice and nutrition detection, as well as other key PHC services.
“However, we must also recognize that there is still a lot of work to do. Too many mothers continue to die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Too many newborns do not survive their first days of life due to the lack of access to basic medical care services.
“Too many children suffer from malnutrition and preventable diseases that steal them from their potential. But despite all this, the Bauchi state government has continued to achieve so many gaps, causing a significant improvement, such as increasing the allocation of funds to health programming, ensuring the proper supply of medicines, the recruitment of qualified health personnel and, what is more important, to attach to a high Disease prevention and control.
“As leaders and interested parties in our communities, we have the duty to prioritize maternal and child health, invest in medical care infrastructure, strengthen health systems and ensure that no mother, newborn or child stay behind.
“This week gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to this important cause and take significant measures to improve maternal and child health results.
“Let's use this week to raise awareness, advocate the policies that support the health of women and children, and to mobilize resources to ensure that each mother, newborn and children have the opportunity to live a healthy and satisfactory life in our beloved state of Bauchi,” he said.
The CE appreciated all those interested who made the program possible, especially the Gates and UNICEF Foundation, Alive & Thrive, other nutritional international partners, such as Solina, Chai, for the support extended to the state of Bauchi to improve the repositioning of the health system.
He said: “I think together, we can make a difference. Together, we can make sure that each mother, each newborn and every child receive the attention they deserve. We work together to build a healthier and brighter future for everyone.”
In his comments, UNICEF's health officer, in Bauchi's field office, David Audu emphasized the importance of nutrition in pregnant women and children under five, considering their tender nature.
He said that UNICEF will continue to support the government through relevant agencies to have quality family health and solid education.
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