Bauchi Delighted over Increased Vaccination Coverage, Reiterates Commitment to Nutrition

Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi Bauchi

Bauchi State government has expressed delight over improved maternal and child health, especially in the area of Penta 3 vaccination coverage.

Speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2024 Primary Healthcare (PHC) Retreat in Bauchi yesterday, the Deputy Governor and Chairman of the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare, Mohammed Auwal Jatau, said Bauchi is happy with the report of the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) which indicated that Bauchi State has moved from 31 per cent to 58 per cent in Penta 3 coverage.

As contained in a press statement made available to journalists by Muslim Lawal, Special Assistant (Media) office of the Deputy Governor, Jatau who was impressed that in the report Bauchi ranked best second to Adamawa State in the country, however called for more effort in the area of nutrition.

“Though, a marginal progress was recorded in some of the indicators such as maternal and child health. While in the aspect of nutrition, together we need more commitment and support so as to improve health services in all levels of care,” he said.

The deputy governor urged all stakeholders to work closely during the retreat and devise result-oriented strategies to ensure improvement of the overall health indicators of Bauchi State.

Jatau who reiterated Governor Bala Mohammed’s commitment to a healthier Bauchi State for all, said this year’s retreat with the theme ‘Towards achieving Sustainable Primary Health Care Financing in Bauchi State’ is both timely and crucial, saying that sustainable financing is the foundation upon which the future of primary healthcare will be built.

He said by doing so, it will provide consistent, affordable, and quality health services to the people, especially the most vulnerable members of the society.

“I am happy that we have made notable progress in advancing primary healthcare in our dear Bauchi State. We have strengthened our healthcare infrastructure, expanded access to essential health services and improved the delivery of maternal and child health services,” the deputy governor said.

According to him, the efforts have contributed to reducing health inequalities in communities, which he said is commendable.

“However, despite these successes, there are still significant challenges we face. The healthcare system in our state, like in many parts of Nigeria, continues to be overstretched. These challenges demand a comprehensive and collaborative approach from all stakeholders, including the state government, the federal government, development partners and the private sector,” Jatau pointed out.

While reaffirming Governor Mohammed administration’s commitment to the advancement of the health sector, the deputy governor assured that the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Bauchi State for the well-being of every citizen of our state.

He appreciated the governor for his unwavering support for the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare which is a reflection of his belief that access to quality healthcare is a fundamental right and a key pillar of human development and promised that the task force will strengthen its efforts to mobilise resources and collaborate with partners to ensure that state’s healthcare system is adequately funded and well-equipped to meet the needs of the people.

On his part, the Co-chair of the Bauchi State Task Force on Primary Healthcare who is the Emir of Dass, Alhaji Usman Bilyaminu Othman, observed that the financing of primary healthcare remains a major issue, assuring the support of traditional institutions in assisting the state government to tackle challenges hindering the attainment of universal healthcare coverage by Bauchi State .