Bauchi Govt Launches ProgrammeTo Improve Maternal, Child Healthcare

Bauchi State government has launched a programme called “Mama-to-Mama Support Group and Gender Champions” saddled with the responsibility of enlightening women on maternal and child health as well as gender inclusiveness and mainstreaming.

The Mama-to-Mama Support Group comprises 646 members who are dedicated to enlightening and mobilising women of reproductive age to prioritize their health status and that of their children.

The state gender focal person, Hajiya Alawiyya Usman who spoke at the launch of the scheme at the Command Guest House said the state government is committed to supporting women’s maternal and child health, gender inclusiveness and mainstreaming for a healthy society.

According to her, “The Mama-to-Mama Support Group is also responsible for identifying pregnant women in their local communities and referring them to healthcare facilities for antenatal Care services and hospital-based delivery.”

 Alawiyya said that prior to the conceptualization of the Mama-to-Mama scheme, the situation analysis revealed prevailing gender discrimination, negative gender norms, role and practice among others as negative effects of quality healthcare service delivery.

She said the Gender Champions whose roles were to add voice to gender issues are influencing women in their respective communities to change social ills within the society.

Also, the Bauchi State First Lady, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed said that Global Affairs Canada has been supporting the state through UNICEF in different sectors of development particularly healthcare services delivery at the primary level.

She commended members of the two groups inaugurated for their dedication towards improving healthcare delivery services and addressing Gender Based Violence, (SGBV).

She assured that her foundation will continue to support quality healthcare service delivery in order to improve the health status of women and children.

On his part, the state commissioner for health, Dr Sabi’u Gwalabe called on the Mama-to-Mama Support Group and the gender champions to redouble their efforts towards achieving the set objective.

On his own, the executive chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (BASPHCDA), Dr Rilwanu Mohammed commended the initiative, saying that it will go a long way in reducing issues around family health.