By Danhassan Abubakar
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has officially transferred Family Planning (FP) commodities valued at 50 Million Naira, procured through state funding, to the government of Bauchi State.
This ceremonial handover was conducted by Mr. Dashe Dasogot, Assistant Country Director of UNFPA, at the Central Store premises of the State.
This development aligns with the National Guidelines for State-Funded Procurement of Family Planning Commodities, which were adopted and officially launched by the State Governor, Senator Bala Abdukadir Mohammed, in 2023.
This milestone represents a significant step taken by the state government to enhance the funding framework for Family Planning initiatives, with the ultimate objective of ensuring the sustained availability and accessibility of high-quality, affordable family planning services.
Upon receiving the commodities, the State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, acknowledged and expressed appreciation for UNFPA’s support in facilitating the procurement of these essential commodities, in accordance with the memorandum of understanding.
Represented by the Director of Public Health, Abdullahi Danasabe, the Commissioner gave assurance that the commodities would be promptly distributed to healthcare facilities across the state, given the existing shortage being experienced in the State.
Additionally, the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, conveyed his satisfaction regarding the timely delivery of these commodities, which he described as long overdue.
According to Dr. Mohammed, the local population has accepted the use of the family planning system and has grown accustomed to child spacing practices, thereby generating demand for these commodities.
He further emphasized that even male members of the community have come to endorse this initiative, frequently encouraging their spouses to utilize these services.
Dr. Mohammed did caution, however, that the previously experienced stock shortage had impeded progress, and he expressed concerns that the current shipment of commodities might be insufficient to meet statewide requirements.
He then gave assurances that the state government intends to allocate additional funding to facilitate the procurement of further supplies, thereby ensuring the continuity of the distribution chain.
Our correspondent reports that the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as the Reproductive Health agency of the United Nations, provides strategic vision, technical guidance and support as well as funds for procurement of Family Planning commodities on behalf of the Nigerian government.
Featured picture used for illustrative purposes only