The Bauchi State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Mohammed Dambam, has expressed deep concern over the alarming rate of maternal deaths in the state, describing it as the worst in the North-East, according to the 2023 National Demographic and Health Information Survey (NDHIS).
Speaking during the inauguration of the Accelerating Implementation of Maternal, Neonatal, Child Nutrition and Health Innovations (AIM-MNCNH) Advocacy Champions, held at the Ministry’s conference room, Dr. Dambam, represented by the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, attributed the state’s poor maternal health indices to largely preventable causes.
He emphasized the need for stronger collaboration among stakeholders and development partners to tackle the crisis.
“The State Government has taken steps to address challenges in the health sector, including the recent approval of an upward salary review for health workers in state-owned facilities,” he said. “This aims to retain medical personnel and ensure they receive wages comparable to their counterparts in federal institutions.”
He urged the newly inaugurated advocacy champions to work closely with professional bodies such as the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), and the Guild of Medical Directors (GMD) to promote antenatal care, hospital deliveries, and postnatal services.
Dr. Umma Hani Ja’afaru, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Bauchi State Chapter, and state project lead, said the AIM-MNCNH project is focused on reducing postpartum haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
She noted that the project is backed by a consortium of partners, including Pathfinder International, the African Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), and the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI).
According to her, the initiative promotes evidence-based advocacy and seeks to introduce innovative maternal health product bundles to improve outcomes.
“AIM-MNCNH aims to build a community of advocates, technical voices, and champions for maternal and child health by clarifying policy pathways, translating evidence into policy and clinical practice, and ensuring the availability and proper use of lifesaving products at the last mile,” she said.
Dr. Ja’afaru added that the newly appointed champions were selected based on their commitment, influence, and track record in advocating for maternal and child health innovations.
“With their deep understanding of the local health landscape and ability to mobilize stakeholders, we are confident that they will help promote and sustain MNCNH innovations in Bauchi State,” she added.
Providing an overview of the project, Dr. Amina Mohammed revealed that Bauchi State currently records 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with postpartum haemorrhage accounting for 27.1% of those deaths. She said the AIM-MNCNH project will deploy the E-MOTIVE trial to improve postpartum care.
In a goodwill message, National President of MWAN, Professor Rosemary Nkemdilim, described the inauguration of the advocacy champions as a significant milestone in the association’s commitment to advancing maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition.
“As you wear this mantle with dignity and resolve, let your advocacy be grounded in evidence, your voice strong with compassion, and your service anchored in purpose,” she said.
Bauchi is among the pilot states selected for the MNCNH Innovation Champions project, which is expected to complement existing structures, particularly the RMNCAH+N Technical Working Group.
By Lizzy Carr
