UNICEF tackles Maternal, child mortality in Kwami
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Representative in Nigeria Peter Hawkins, says the fund has reduced pregnancy induced deaths of mothers, thereby, improving children’s health in Kwami local government of Gombe State.
Hawkins made this disclosure on Thursday during the closeout ceremony of support to Primary Health Care (PHC) revitalization for improved Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) outcomes in Kwami LGA.
Recall that Gombe, precisely Kwami LGA was selected to benefit China’s South-South Cooperation Assistance Fund (SSCAF), which was set up specifically to assist developing countries to accelerate progress towards the achievement of the SDGs.
Periscope Nigeria reports that the 10 facilities in Kwami LGA includes; Bojude, Daban Fulani, Doho, Dukkkul, Gadam, Jurara, Komfulata, Kwami, Mallam Sidi and Malleri.
According to Hawkins, the facilities has improved the health status of women and children through the revitalization of the primary health care delivery system, thereby, bringing Covid-19 vaccination points within reach.
He said, “This is a joint partnership between government of Gombe, and UNICEF and with UNICEF is the government of China. We furnished 10 PHCs, provided drugs. We brought quality healthcare closer to the people, so people come here especially pregnant women to get 24-hours service. As you know, immunization is important especially now with the Covid-19 vaccine. So, now this provides opportunity for them to get vaccinated.
“This will go a long way to help reduce maternal and child mortality. The challenge is to ensure that the experience in Kwami is replicated in other parts of the state. The level of investment, training, staffing and being able to ensure that the health of Gombe State for mothers and children are improved.”
Commenting on the choice of Kwami, Hawkins, revealed that UNICEF was restricted to one local government out of ten others, while urging government to use the model in extending the services across other PHCs.
“We were restricted to one LGA and Kwami was the one chosen. I’m pleased because Kwami has responded as well the people and government. The facilities are now available and it is a fantastic indication of the people and government that in Kwami, it worked so well.
“I wish to congratulate government on what has happened here, it about the quality of the service that is what gives people confidence. There is need to replicate this in other LGAs using this model. It possible because there is the commitment and the drive necessary to do that,” Hawkins added.
On his part, Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Dr. Manassah Jatau said UNICEF’s intervention has helped to cushion the challenges faced by children.
“Also, experiences in the third world clearly indicates that women and children remain the most neglected and vulnerable segments of the society. It is in cognizance of this imbalance hat the United Nations through UNICEF evolved programs meant to assist them realise their full potentials, thereby raising the standards of living of the general population,” he said.
