Bauchi Builds Collaborative Framework to Improve Child Well-Being

By Murtala Muhammad

In Bauchi State, a growing partnership between the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning, and Multilateral Coordination and UNICEF is laying the foundation for innovative solutions to improve children’s access to healthcare, education, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services.

This is part of a broader strategy to address systemic challenges and ensure sustainable development for children in the region.

At a one-day consultation meeting for the 2024 Annual Programme and 2025-2027 Workplan, Permanent Secretary Jibril Mohammed Yusuf reaffirmed Bauchi State’s dedication to fulfilling its commitments.

He emphasized the government’s openness to integrating additional inputs into the recently presented 2025 budget, highlighting the inclusive and adaptive planning approach aimed at achieving better outcomes.

The meeting provided an opportunity for stakeholders to review program progress and identify actionable steps for improvement.

Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, stressed the importance of evidence-based planning to improve service delivery for children.

She acknowledged UNICEF’s supportive role while underscoring the government’s responsibility as the primary implementer of quality education, healthcare, and safe water initiatives.

This collaborative effort brings together representatives from Bauchi and Plateau States’ Primary Health Care Boards, Ministries of Budget and Planning, Education, Water Resources, and Information.

Participants at the meeting discussed practical strategies to address bottlenecks, scale up successful interventions, and prioritize areas of critical need.