Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board (BASPHCB) on Monday, flagged off the first round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn Child Health (MNCH) Week targeting not fewer than 2.2 million Under 5 children across the state.
Speaking at the flagging off ceremony held at the Bayan Fada PHCC Bauchi, Executive Chairman of the BASPHCDB, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed said that MNCH week is one of the vital events that impact the very fabric of our society the health and well-being of our mothers, newborns, and children.
He added that the week-long activity serves as a keen reminder of the collective responsibility to ensure that every mother, every newborn, and every child has access to the healthcare services, they need to thrive.
He added that it is a time to reaffirm commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes, not just for this week, but for every week to come.
Mohammed said that, “As we reflect on the progress made and the challenges that lie ahead, let us acknowledge the tireless efforts of His Excellency Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed for his numerous interventions to health sector, while at same time our healthcare workers, volunteers, and development partners who work tirelessly day in and day out to provide quality care to mothers and children in our communities across the state.
“Their dedication and compassion are the bedrock of our healthcare system, and their commitment to improving maternal and child health is truly inspiring.
“As we celebrate this week, let us focus on key important elements that form the foundation of MNCH activity in Bauchi State. There are going to be health interventions as we go through the week in our health facilities.”
The interventions include administering Vitamin A supplementation, deworming medication, continuous ANC/PNC services, birth registration, nutrition counselling and screening, other key PHC services.
“However, we must also recognize that there is still much work to be done. Too many mothers continue to die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. Too many newborns do not survive their first few days of life due to a lack of access to basic healthcare services.
“Too many children suffer from malnutrition and preventable diseases that rob them of their potential. But in spite all this, Bauchi State Government has continued to bridge so many gaps bringing about significant improvement such increasing fund allocation to health programming, ensure adequate drug supplies, recruitment of skilled health personnel and more importantly attaching high premium in disease prevention and control.”
He then emphasized that, as leaders and stakeholders in the communities, parents have a duty to prioritize maternal and child health, invest in healthcare infrastructure, strengthen health systems, and ensure that no mother, newborn, or child is left behind.
According to him, “This week provides us with ar opportunity to renew our commitment to this important cause and to take meaningful action to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
“Let us use this week to raise awareness, to advocate for policies that support women’s and child health, and to mobilize resources to ensure that every mother newborn, and child has the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilling life in our dear Bauchi State.”
He then appreciated all stakeholders making the exercise possible, especially BMGF/ADF and UNICEF other partners such as USAID-advancing nutrition, Alive Thrive, BA-N, Nutrition International, Solina, CHAI, for the support extended to Bauchi State towards improving health system repositioning.
Mohammed concluded by saying, “I believe together, we can make a difference.Together, we can ensure that every mother, every newborn, and every child receives the care they deserve. Let us work together to build a healthier and brighter future for all.”
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