Child spacing: Gombe media forum engages key policy makers
By Bilkisu Ahmed Ali
The Gombe State child spacing media group on Monday, commenced round table meeting with the Commissioner for health Dr. Habu Dahiru, alongside key policy makers at the State Ministry of Health.
According to Dahiru, the importance of childspacing, is overwhelming as it ensures good maternal child health.
He emphasized the need for participants to feel free in amplifying the challenges of child spacing.
Dahiru said, “There are various family health centres here in Gombe and there are also some trained personnel in the state. Childspacing is a necessity and of much importance.”
On his part, Executive Secretary Primary Health Care Development Agency; Dr Abdulrahaman Shuaibu, revealed that Gombe State has high rate of maternal mortality, adding that there is a need for childspacing to be adopted.
“There are challenges such as stock out of commodities but measures are taken,” Shuaibu added.
Also speaking, the representative of TCI, Usman Abubakar, explained that The Challenge Initiative (TCI), is committed to collaborating with government, stressing that the model has been tested and has been used effectively.
Speaking further, Gombe State Devcom focal person, comrade Alhassan Yahya, noted that about 20 Journalists were able to go on a tour to different facilities which provided them true experiences, adding that reports were gathered.
Yahya mentioned that the major challenge is that commodities are in low supply.
According to him, “There are unmet needs which must be met. More Radio programs will be organized to create awareness foro the people of the state on family planning/child spacing.”
Saadatu Sambo, State Focal person family planning, who was represented by Mrs Aise M Fada, also appreciated the efforts of donor agencies, noting that their contributions have further assisted government to increase uptake of child spacing across health facilities in the state.
She added, “some challenges being faced includes funding and shortage of commodities in the state.”
Comfort Mukollo, State chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), said alot was being done, stressing that with adequate support more women, men and children would be enlightened to know about child spacing.
The commissioner, Dr. Dahiru concluded by welcoming TCI to Gombe. He assured that family planning budget would receive expedited attention, stressing that health is a priority to the current administration.
“Once it is budgeted it will be released. We will reduce the unmet needs and the out of stock syndrome,” the Commissioner added.
The session was concluded with vote of thanks by the chairperson of the forum in person of Miss Rebecca Caleb Maina who called for improved synergy.
