By; Mohammed Kawu, Bauchi
Governor Bala Mohammed has said that his administration will collaborate with Johns Hopkins Program for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO), and other relevant partners towards addressing the burden of maternal, pre-natal and child morbidity in Bauchi state.
He spoke during a Dissemination Ceremony of Baseline Findings for General Anti-natal Care (G-ANC) and Post-natal Care (PNC) project held Tuesday at the Government House, Bauchi.
Governor Bala explained that his administration is working in synergy with Development Partners to positively impact on the lives of children and mothers with the collaboration focusing on areas such as immunization, nutrition, water sanitation, hygiene, and child healthcare services.
He revealed that the outcome of the Maiden Bauchi Health summit organized by his administration is already in line of implementation which, among others, entails the construction and renovation of primary and secondary healthcare facilities across all the three (3) senatorial districts of the state
The Governor who was represented by the SSG, Barr. Ibrahim Mohammed Kassim, appreciated JHPIEGO for the working toward the findings and acknowledged the support of developmental partners to the present administration in Bauchi, and assured the provision of enabling environment to achieve it’s organizational mandate.
Earlier, the commissioner of health, Dr. Adamu Umar Sambo said identifying the gaps is an aspect that stakeholders look into and proffer possible ways to provide the necessary support that would help the state improve its healthcare delivery for a healthy society.
The Commissioner revealed that 70% of people seeking healthcare services come from rural and informal sectors, and asked partners to put their best into the project instead of forcing donors to do everything.
In his address, The JHPIEGO Country Director in Nigeria, Dr. Adetiloye Oniyire, represented by Oyetunji Ajiyola, said in a remark that the findings were conducted in 235 facilities, and affirmed the readiness of the organization to assist the state government to incorporate in its agenda.
Dr. Adetiloye Oniyire gave possible areas of cooperation with the state that includes joint investments, technical assistance, training of health workers and provision of other sources of support to the state, assuring that the state would contribute its quota.