Bauchi Agency Seeks Monarchs’ Support Against Maternal Mortality

To halt rising trends of maternal mortality, the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency has sought the support of traditional rulers to improve the health of pregnant women in the state.

The executive chairman of the agency, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, made the plea at the place of Emir of Dass, Usman Bilyaminu Othman.

He said Dass is among the three selected local government areas in the state for the trial of a supplement, MMS, which contains 15 essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and folic acid in the recommended dose.

Muhammad added that the MMS Supplement is effective thereby reducing the risk of preterm birth, stillbirth, low birth weight, and small for gestational age birth among others.

He therefore asked for more support from various stakeholders in the health sector toward achieving the desired goal aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving health care service delivery.

He said the agency has been steadfast in supporting federal government policies and programmes aimed at improving the healthcare system of pregnant women toward reducing maternal mortality, hence the need for traditional institutions to key into the drive.

Mohammed said part of the visit to Dass was to monitor the implementation research of Multiple Micronutrient Supplement MMS in the area.

He warned health workers to strictly adhere to the protocols.

Responding, Alhaji Othman who was represented by the Madakin Dass, Alhaji Dauda Ibrahim Madaki, said the Emirate council is working with the local government to ensure that people have access to quality healthcare services.