By Sule Aliyu, Bauchi
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammad, has commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for its continued support to the state government in improving healthcare service delivery.
The governor particularly applauded UNICEF for initiating the Fathers for Good Health (F4H) groups, a community-based initiative aimed at promoting immunization uptake and improving maternal and child healthcare across the state.
Governor Muhammad gave the commendation during the Fathers for Good Health Awards Ceremony held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Bauchi.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Auwal Jatau, the governor noted that Bauchi State has benefited immensely from its partnership with UNICEF in key sectors such as health, education, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
He pledged the state’s commitment to sustaining its partnership with UNICEF and other development partners to enhance service delivery.
He described the community-driven F4H initiative as an important link between healthcare facilities and rural communities.
“Your dogged efforts in promoting positive health behaviour, supporting immunization campaigns, and encouraging maternal and child healthcare utilization are visible and cherished by all,” the governor said.
He added that the initiative has significantly increased male involvement in public health decisions, helping to ensure that no mother or child is left behind.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to the health sector, Governor Muhammad disclosed that the state government released over N872 million last year as counterpart funding into the Primary Health Care Memorandum of Understanding (PHC-MOU) Basket Fund account.
According to him, the funding supports routine immunization, nutrition programmes, and maternal healthcare services.
He further revealed that through a partnership with UNICEF under the Child Nutrition Fund, the state procured over N600 million worth of nutrition commodities.
“This includes 4,562 cartons of Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) and 15,419 cartons of Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) to combat childhood malnutrition,” he stated.
The governor explained that the F4H initiative, which commenced in 2024, has expanded from two to ten local government areas due to its remarkable impact.
He also expressed appreciation to development partners, including World Health Organization, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and Aliko Dangote Foundation, for their continuous support to the state’s healthcare programmes.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, said increased male participation in healthcare decisions would significantly improve maternal and child health indicators.
He urged the advocates to remain committed to promoting positive behavioural change in their communities.
Also speaking, the UNICEF Team Lead in Abuja, Dr. Asnakew Tsega, praised Bauchi State for pioneering the initiative, which was designed to address cultural barriers preventing women and children from accessing healthcare services.
He called on the state government to extend the programme to all 20 local government areas.
Similarly, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Muhammad, disclosed that the initiative has contributed significantly to reducing the number of “zero-dose” children who have never received vaccines.
He noted that members of the F4H groups have played a crucial role in educating mothers and mobilizing communities for antenatal care and routine immunization.
Also speaking, the Co-Chairman of the Bauchi State Taskforce on Primary Healthcare and Emir of Dass, Usman Bilyaminu Othman, commended the state government for prioritizing primary healthcare delivery.
The traditional ruler also praised UNICEF for introducing the initiative, which has improved access to healthcare services, particularly immunization for children under five years of age.
According to him, the activities of the Fathers for Good Health groups have also increased access to antenatal care among pregnant women across the state, thereby contributing to the reduction of maternal mortality and infant morbidity rates.
The annual awards ceremony recognized outstanding local government areas and community volunteers for their contributions to promoting immunization, maternal healthcare, and primary healthcare development.
At the event, Ganjuwa Local Government Area emerged overall best in the implementation of the F4H initiative, while Bauchi Local Government Area came second and Darazo Local Government Area placed third.
The Fathers for Good Health initiative was introduced by UNICEF to address the challenge of zero-dose children in Bauchi State and is being implemented by the state government through its Primary Healthcare Development Agency.