UNICEF and Canada Team Up to Combat Malnutrition in Bauchi with Vitamin A Boost

By Achimi Muktar

In a significant stride towards improving maternal, newborn, and child health in Bauchi State, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the Canadian government, has provided over 4,300 bottles of Vitamin A supplements to the state. This initiative, launched during the second round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), aims to strengthen healthcare for women and children.

A Lifesaving Donation

UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, revealed that the Vitamin A supplements, valued at ₦65 million, will provide 1,405,400 doses to the state’s healthcare programs. These doses are expected to enhance the health of pregnant women and children under the age of five.

Additionally, UNICEF has extended ₦31.6 million in direct cash assistance to Bauchi’s State Primary Healthcare Development Board, supporting broader health interventions for children.

“The provision of Vitamin A will go a long way in addressing malnutrition and strengthening the immune systems of vulnerable groups, particularly pregnant women and young children,” Dr. Rafique stated.

The Role of Maternal Health

First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya Aisha Bala Mohammed, emphasized the crucial role women play in fostering family health. She urged mothers to cultivate nutritious foods in their backyards to combat malnutrition and safeguard their families’ well-being.

“Our administration is committed to improving healthcare access and ensuring families can take full advantage of available interventions,” the First Lady said.

Encouraging Progress Amidst Challenges

Bauchi State’s Commissioner of Health, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, highlighted the state’s impressive gains in immunization coverage. Data from the 2023/2024 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) shows that vaccine coverage for children under five has improved significantly:

Immunization rates rose from 33% in 2018 to 58% in 2023/2024.

Penta 3 vaccine coverage showed substantial improvement.

Measles vaccination rates increased from 7% in 2018 to 27% in 2024.

However, Dr. Dambam acknowledged the persistent challenge of high maternal mortality rates, calling for intensified efforts to address this concern.

A Holistic Approach to Health

The MNCHW initiative, which provides week-long healthcare services to pregnant women, lactating mothers, and young children, continues to bridge gaps in Bauchi’s healthcare system. Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration has been lauded for prioritizing healthcare infrastructure and increasing budgetary allocations to address the sector’s challenges.

With continued support from international partners like UNICEF and the Canadian government, Bauchi is making strides toward a healthier and more resilient population, despite ongoing challenges.