The Government of Canada, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has delivered over 4,300 bottles of Vitamin A to Bauchi State, which equates to 1,405,400 doses, with a total value of N65 million. Additionally, UNICEF has provided direct cash assistance amounting to N31.6 million to the state government through the State Primary Healthcare Development Board to enhance health interventions for children.

During the inauguration of the second round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief Field Officer for UNICEF in Bauchi, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to protecting the lives of women and children, thereby promoting a healthy society. The MNCHW serves as a week-long initiative aimed at delivering healthcare services to pregnant women, lactating mothers, infants, and children under the age of five.

Bauchi State’s First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, underscored the essential role that women play in enhancing family health and encouraged them to cultivate nutritious crops in their backyards to safeguard their children and families against malnutrition. Furthermore, she highlighted the dedication of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration to improving the healthcare system in the state and urged parents to ensure their children benefit from the various interventions available.

At the event, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, highlighted the remarkable progress the state has achieved, as evidenced by the latest findings from the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). He shared that immunization coverage for children under five years old has increased significantly, climbing from 33% in the 2018 NDHS to 58% in the current data. At the event, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, highlighted the remarkable progress the state has achieved, as evidenced by the latest findings from the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS). He shared that immunization coverage for children under five years old has increased significantly, climbing from 33% in the 2018 NDHS to 58% in the current data.

Dambam reported that Penta 3 vaccine coverage has increased significantly, with measles vaccine coverage rising from 7% in the 2018 NDHS to 27% in the current survey. He noted the commitment of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed to addressing health challenges by prioritizing health as a central focus of his administration, which includes efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and increase budgetary allocations for the sector. The commissioner also acknowledged the rise in maternal mortality rates and emphasized the need for targeted efforts to address this issue.

Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, highlighted the importance of promoting good hygiene practices among women. He explained that maintaining proper hygiene is crucial for combating various diseases within the community, thereby improving overall public health.