By Lizzy Carr
Eleven Local Government Areas of Bauchi State are to participate in the implementation of Nigeria Healthcare Sector-Wide Approach (swap) project under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII).
The project is implemented under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (mamii) by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aimed at prioritizing the health and well-being of women and children by address five delays to crashing maternal and neonatal mortality.
These delays according to the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare include delay in Seeking care,delay in reaching care,delay in receiving care, delay in taking care and delay in coordination.
The Local Government councils to implement the project in Bauchi state include; Dambam, Dass,Darazo,Gamawa,Katagum,Shira,Jama’are, Itas Gadau, Kirfi, Ganjuwa and Misau.
This was disclosed at a 5-day implementation design workshop in Bauchi by the Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam.
According to the commissioner, the State is ready to support the implementation of the project as part of government desire to ensure safe delivery by pregnant women.
The Commissioner highlighted the achievements recorded by the present administration in the health sector that has translated into improved services .
He added that the project which aims to reduce maternal and Neonatal Mortality is a welcome one and that the state is ready to adequately get involved in and actively participate in its implementation.
“This is one of the most laudable projects that the Federal government is implementing in the state and the health sector in Nigeria will witnessed a positive turnaround as the project is going to cover a some states”.
He appreciated the federal government in selecting eleven out of the twenty LGAs to implement the project.
” This is in line with the priority of the present administration’s commitment to improved healthcare service delivery.”
Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed commended the implementing partners for the various supports given to the State in ensuring safe motherhood.
He stressed that the Board is working with implementors of SWAP project towards ensuring that pregnant women received the best of treatment and attention .
Rilwanu Mohammed however lamented that many pregnant women don’t go to the health facilities for Antenatal care and facility delivery noting that the issues can only be tackled through persuation and advocacy.
In a goodwill message, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) commended the implementation of the project assuring that it will always support the course of women and children in order to give them life.
Also speaking, representative of John Hopkins Programme for International Education in Gynecology and Obstetrics (JHPIEGO) commended the introduction of the mamii programme saying that it will go a long way in Combating the menace of high maternal, Neonatal and morbidity rate across the country. (www.krestnews.com)