Misau local government area of Bauchi State has mobilised 160 male volunteers under the Fathers for Good Health Initiative, a community-based effort aimed at promoting access to quality healthcare services.
The initiative, supported by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) through its Bauchi Field Office, leverages the influence of fathers within their communities to drive acceptance of critical health services, especially immunisation, antenatal care and safe delivery.
As the world marked Fathers’ Day last week, communities across Misau commended the impact of the F4H programme which has been active in the area for the past 10 months.
Beneficiaries and volunteers commended UNICEF for championing the initiative that encourages fathers to actively promote positive health behaviors from pregnancy through childhood.
One of the volunteers, Nura Aliyu, a father of two, told journalists during a media field visit how healthcare uptake was previously hindered by myths and misinformation.
“Before the initiative, there was resistance to polio immunisation, low attendance at antenatal clinics, and frequent home deliveries.
“Today, things have changed. Our wives now attend clinics, our children get vaccinated, and even malnourished children are recovering,” he said.
