By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
The Bauchi field office of UNICEF in collaboration with Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency have reminded Civil Society Organizations operating in the state of a herculean task resting on their shoulders to change narratives with regards to the negative indicators associated to maternal, new born and child health (MNCH) in Bauchi State.
This was one of the key takeaways at the just concluded four day gender responsiveness meeting aimed at achieving better reproductive, maternal, new born child and adolescents health RMNCAH services in the State.
Declaring the the training open, Health Specialist, UNICEF Bauchi office Dr Zighe Icuno, described, as worrisome, the negative indices on maternal and child mortality in Bauchi State.
She reminded Civil Society Organizations that, as drivers in community mobilization initiatives, they are expected to work in close collaboration with the health agencies towards reversing the disturbing trend.
She explained that the 211 maternal mortality rate per every 1000 live birth is a serious source of concern and therefore concerted effort must be made to correct that .
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, the Executive Chairman, Bauchi state primary health care development agency, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, promised CBOs in Bauchi state of the agency’s commitment for continuous engagement as pathway to a desire result.
He stated that, maternal and child health care remains focal point of the present government in the state.
Speaking at the training, the chairperson of the coalition of CBOs in Bauchi state Mr Sodangi Chindo and Chairperson of Ward Development Committees in the state Mr. Samaila Jarumen, assured of their member’s readiness to deploy workable strategies to help improve the negative reports on the health and welfare of women and children in the state.
Participants at the training which was held in Kano, were drawn from organized CBOs, health agencies and other key development partners.