GAC, UNICEF Support Bauchi With 45 Motorcycles To Enhance Reproductive Health Services

Global Affairs Canada (GAC), in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has presented 45 motorcycles to the Bauchi State government to strengthen healthcare outreach and improve the delivery of maternal and reproductive health services, particularly in hard-to-reach communities in the state.

Speaking during the handover ceremony yesterday, the Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, presented 45 new Boxer 125 HD motorcycles, delivered with support from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, for distribution across 20 local government areas in Bauchi State.

She explained that the motorcycles would be distributed across all Local Government Areas (LGAs), with at least two allocated per LGA, to enhance access to essential healthcare services for children, mothers, and newborns in remote areas.

Dr. Rafique commended Global Affairs Canada for its continued commitment to improving adolescent reproductive health in Bauchi State.

According to her, the intervention is aimed at reaching the most vulnerable populations, particularly those unable to access healthcare due to distance, financial constraints, or other barriers.

She assured that UNICEF focuses on the most underserved populations, those living in remote areas and facing significant challenges in accessing basic health services. “If they cannot reach us, then it is our responsibility to reach them,” she said.

She noted that immunisation serves as a key entry point for delivering integrated healthcare services, especially for zero-dose children, those who have never received any vaccines, adding that thousands of such children exist in Bauchi State.

Dr. Rafique also raised concern over the low uptake of antenatal care, particularly among adolescent mothers.

She also expressed concern over the prevalence of early marriage in the state and its implications for the health of young mothers and their children. She noted that while efforts must continue to address early marriage, it is equally important to ensure that those already affected receive quality healthcare.

She further highlighted that maternal and newborn mortality rates remain alarmingly high in Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, stressing the need for a more integrated and inclusive healthcare approach.

“Our collective goal must be to reach every child and every mother, especially in underserved communities, to save lives and uphold their right to quality healthcare,” she said.

Also speaking, UNICEF Health Officer in Bauchi, Oluseyi Olusunde, described immunisation as a critical gateway for delivering broader primary healthcare services.

While acknowledging existing challenges in immunisation coverage, he noted that progress has been made and is being leveraged to improve other health indicators, particularly maternal and child health outcomes.

He identified low rates of institutional delivery and inadequate antenatal care attendance as key concerns.

“We are optimistic that this intervention will not only strengthen immunization efforts but also improve overall healthcare service delivery,” he said.

Olusunde explained that the Global Affairs Canada’s initiative focuses on adolescent health, maternal care, and newborn services, using an integrated approach.

“Our strategy ensures that immunization teams are accompanied by community mobilisers and midwives, enabling them to deliver a wider range of services when they reach remote communities,” he said.

He added that the motorcycles would significantly improve mobility for health workers, allowing them to deliver services such as antenatal care, newborn care, nutrition assessment, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) education.

Receiving the motorcycles, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, expressed appreciation to UNICEF, Global Affairs Canada, and other development partners for their sustained support.

He assured that the motorcycles would be deployed effectively to improve healthcare delivery in underserved communities.

Dambam also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration to prioritizing the health sector, noting that significant attention has been given to improving healthcare services since the inception of the government.

“We will ensure these motorcycles are properly utilised to reach vulnerable populations and improve access to essential healthcare services, especially for women, children, and adolescents in remote areas,” he said.