The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has donated 1.5 million doses of vitamin A to the Bauchi State government to strengthen children’s immune systems and promote healthy growth.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, Bauchi, made the disclosure on Monday during the inauguration of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Bauchi. She was represented by Jackson Martins, UNICEF Nutrition Officer.
Rafique said the UN agency also provided 47,000 bottles of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to address maternal and child mortality in the state. She described vitamin A as a vital micronutrient for child growth and development, noting that deficiency at an early age could lead to preventable childhood blindness and significantly increase the risk of death from common illnesses such as diarrhea.
“Periodic high-dose vitamin A supplementation is a proven, low-cost intervention that reduces all-cause mortality by 12 to 24 per cent, making it critical in lowering child mortality,” she said.
Rafique explained that MMS is recommended for pregnant women because many experience multiple micronutrient deficiencies that affect maternal health and fetal outcomes. She urged caregivers to take advantage of the initiative to protect children from preventable diseases and ensure healthy, productive lives.
Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board (BSPHDB), represented by Sufiyan Jibrin, Director of Primary Healthcare, said the exercise aimed to accelerate improvements in maternal, newborn, and child health indicators.
He added that children aged 6–59 months would receive vitamin A supplements, those aged 12–59 months would receive deworming tablets, and all children 6–59 months would be screened for acute malnutrition with appropriate referrals for treatment.
One beneficiary, Aisha Usman, praised the initiative, noting that it would significantly improve the health status of children in the state.
