From: Murtala Muhammad |
On Friday, 27 December 2024, a wave of hope swept through Bauchi State as stakeholders gathered to mark the second round of the bi-annual Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW).
The event, graced by Her Excellency, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, the First Lady of Bauchi State, brought together an assembly of government officials, health sector stakeholders, and international partners committed to advancing child survival and maternal health.
The programme's significance lies not just in its grand design but in its impact on the lives of Bauchi's most vulnerable citizens—its mothers and children.
Addressing a distinguished audience that included Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Sani Mohammed, Permanent Secretaries, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman of Bauchi Local Government Area, Mahmood Babamaji and media partners, UNICEF's Chief of Bauchi Field Office Dr Nuzhat Rafique delivered a goodwill message, where she commended the state for its steadfast commitment to improving health outcomes.
A Model of Government Commitment
The UNICEF representative praised the unwavering dedication of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, for his leadership and prompt release of funds to ensure the timely execution of the MNCHW. This round of the health week, implemented in collaboration with partners such as UNICEF and funded in part by the Canadian Government, represents a milestone in health service delivery.
With financial support amounting to ₦31.6 million and direct interventions valued at ₦65 million, including 4,382 bottles of Vitamin A (1,405,400 doses) of Vitamin A supplements, the week-long campaign underscores the importance of investing in the health of the state’s youngest citizens.
The Life-Saving Power of Vitamin A
Vitamin A supplementation, a cornerstone of this initiative, reflects a data-driven approach to reducing child mortality. Vitamin A deficiency, a leading cause of preventable childhood blindness, also exacerbates risks of death from common illnesses like diarrhoea. However, high-dose supplementation can cut mortality rates by as much as 24%, making it a cost-effective intervention with life-changing potential.
UNICEF's provision of micronutrients, combined with essential health services like deworming, immunisations, nutritional assessments, and multiple micronutrient supplementation for pregnant women, underscores its broader mandate of child survival and development.
Building Partnerships for Sustainable Impact
The MNCHW also highlights the power of partnerships. Bauchi State’s collaboration with UNICEF and other stakeholders showcases a replicable model for addressing public health challenges.
The event's success signals a unified commitment to addressing the health disparities that disproportionately affect women and children in Nigeria.
Her Excellency Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed's presence further emphasised the administration's commitment to fostering community trust and participation in health initiatives.
"The health of our children and mothers is a cornerstone of our development agenda," Rafique noted, echoing the sentiments of stakeholders present.
A Future of Health Equity
As Bauchi State embarks on the implementation of this vital health week, the message is clear: collective action can change lives. This MNCHW round is not just an event but a movement—one that promises to leave an indelible mark on the state’s health landscape.
With initiatives like these, Bauchi State is setting a benchmark for prioritising health as a fundamental right and a critical driver of societal progress. As the week unfolds, one can only hope that its success inspires similar actions across Nigeria and beyond.
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