UNICEF, Bauchi Govt reiterates commitment to fight child mortality
By Samuel Luka, Bauchi
As child killer related illnesses continue to threaten the survival of Children in Bauchi, the United Nations Children’s Fund and the Bauchi state government have reiterated commitment towards fighting the menace.
Speaking during a recent event for handing-over of medical oxygen plant and other health facilities constructed in Azare General Hospital by the UNICEF, the Governor said such unwavering support is adding value to the health sector in the state and will not go unnoticed.
While commending the UNICEF, Bala Mohammed who was represented by his deputy, Rt. Hon Muhammad Auwal Jatau said such partnership is illuminating the path towards sustainable development and enhanced healthcare services.
He stressed the need for more support from Partners considering the realities of the current global economic predicaments, particularly developing nations like Nigeria.
While describing medical oxygen as a vital component in healthcare, the Governor said it is essential for the treatment of various ailments, particularly respiratory illnesses.
Mohammed further explained that medical oxygen is key in addressing life- threatening maternal and newborn emergencies, adding that the Government of Bauchi state is highly committed to reducing morbidity and mortality rates associated with such conditions.
Bala Mohammed said as important as health is, his Government will ensure that the citizens have access to quality medical services.
The Governor who acknowledged the challenges of health care delivery to include limited medical human resource, inadequate infrastructure and equipment, however noted that Government is priotizing healthcare in it development agenda to address such challenges.
He said that his administration has been consistently allocating over 15% of the stata’s annual budget to the Health Sector in line with the “Abuja Declaration”, among other measures
He expressed delight that the Medical Oxygen Plant will ensure that patients who require oxygen therapy can receive it in a 205 timely and efficient manner, thus improving patient outcomes and alleviating the burdens of the state’s dedicated healthcare professionals.
The state government appealed for additional support from the UNICEF by providing solar energy facility to General Hospital Azare and the Medical Oxygen Plant.
He said that the provision of the Solar power will go along way in addressing the challenges of erratic power supply and ensuring the sustainability of the Medical Oxygen Plant.
Bala Mohammed also requested that the UNICEF to establish a befitting Special Baby Care Unit at Specialist Hospital Bauchi to linked to an already established Medical Oxygen Plant constructed by the State Government in that Hospital.
He appealed to the operators of the Oxygen Plant to ensure that facilities operate optimally.
The Governor also thanked the Management of NNPC/Total Energies Limited for constructing and equipping state of the art Mammography Centre also in the same Azare General Hospital, saying that it will benefit the people of Bauchi State and beyond.
On its part, UNICEF through its Country Representative, Cristian Munduate said the provision of the oxygen plant at Azare General Hospital represents a remarkable step forward in UNICEF’s shared
