By Lizzy Carr
Eleven Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Bauchi State will participate in the implementation of the Nigeria Healthcare Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) project under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The project, implemented under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), is spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
It aims to prioritize the health and well-being of women and children by addressing five critical delays that contribute to high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
According to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare,these delays include delay in seeking care, elay in reaching care, delay in receiving care, delay in taking care, delay in coordination.
The 11 LGAs selected to implement the project in Bauchi State are Dambam, Dass, Darazo, Gamawa, Katagum, Shira, Jama’are, Itas Gadau, Kirfi, Ganjuwa, and Misau.
The announcement was made during a five-day implementation design workshop held in Bauchi.
Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Dambam, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting the project, emphasizing its importance in ensuring safe deliveries for pregnant women.
Dr. Dambam also highlighted the progress recorded by the current administration in the health sector, which has led to improved service delivery.
He described the project as a “welcome development” and assured that Bauchi State is fully prepared to participate actively in its implementation.
“This is one of the most laudable projects the Federal Government is implementing in the state. The health sector in Nigeria will witness a significant turnaround as the project is set to cover multiple states,”he said.
He further expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for selecting 11 out of Bauchi’s 20 LGAs for the initiative, noting that it aligns with the current administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare services.
The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed,commended the implementing partners for their continued support in promoting safe motherhood.
He emphasized that the board is working closely with the SWAp project implementers to ensure that pregnant women receive the best possible care and medical attention.
However, Dr. Mohammed expressed concern that many pregnant women still avoid health facilities for antenatal care and facility-based deliveries.
He stressed that persuasion and advocacy are essential in addressing this challenge.
In a goodwill message, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) lauded the project’s implementation, promising to continue supporting initiatives that improve the lives of women and children.
Similarly, a representative of the Johns Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) praised the MAMII initiative, stating that it would play a vital role in reducing maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality rates across Nigeria.
