By: Monday Danladi, Bauchi
Eleven Local Government Areas of Bauchi State have been selected for the implementation of Nigeria Healthcare
Sector-Wide Approach (swap) project under the Nigeria Health Sector
Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The project is implemented under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (mamii) by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
Speaking at the commencement of a 5-day implementation design workshop in Bauchi on Monday, State Health Commissioner, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam stated that the State is ready to support the implementation of the project in its desire to ensure safe delivery of pregnant women.
The Commissioner who highlighted the achievements recorded by the Sen Bala Mohammed led administration in the health sector, stressed the importance of prioritizing safe motherhood across the state.
He added that to project to reduce maternal and Neonatal Mortality is a welcome one which the state is ready to adequately get involved in and actively participate in the implementation.
According to him, “This is one of the most laudable projects in Bauchi State being implemented by the Federal Government of Nigeria. The health sector of the country has witnessed a positive turnaround as the project is going to cover a few states.
He added that,”In Bauchi State, we are indeed very grateful that Eleven LGAs have been selected for the implementation of the project. This is in line with the priority of the present administration’s commitment to improved healthcare service delivery.”
Also speaking, Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed commended the implementing partners for the various supports given to the State in ensuring safe motherhood.
He stressed that the Board in working with implentors of swap in seeing that pregnant women received the best of treatment and attention required.
Rilwanu Mohammed however lamented that many pregnant women don’t go to the health facilities for medical attention stating that the problem must be tackled through persuation and advocacy.
In a goodwill message, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) commended the implementation of the project assuring that it will always support the course of women and children in order to give them life.
Also speaking, representative of John Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) commended the introduction of the mamii programme saying that it will go a long way in Combating the menace of high maternal, Neonatal and morbidity rate across the country.
