By Murtala Muhammad
Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya A’isha Bala Mohammed, has urged parents to present children under five to benefit from the ongoing Azithromycin administration to prevent infectious diseases.
She made the call during the flag-off of the mass administration of Azithromycin to under-fives, organised by the State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with Mission To Save the Helpless (MITOSATH).
Azithromycin is an antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections, including bronchitis, pneumonia, sexually transmitted infections, and infections of the lungs, ears, sinuses, throat, skin, and reproductive organs.
Hajiya A’isha Bala Mohammed said the campaign aligned with the present administration’s commitment to promoting healthy living among families across the state.
She disclosed that the drug, procured with millions of naira, would be administered free to all children aged zero to fifty-nine months in all communities.
She explained that Azithromycin had been in use across Bauchi State for treating pneumonia and other, noting it was confirmed to be safe and effective for children.
Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, commended the Governor for consistently contributing to the Health Care Basket Fund and pledged continued synergy with implementing partners.
Speaking on behalf of the Gates Foundation, Dr Femi Owoeye expressed satisfaction with the state’s partnership, noting progress made through the Accelerated Action Initiative in reducing under-five mortality.
Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, said no eligible child would be excluded, considering the state’s gains in the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey.
Dr Sani Dambam also acknowledged the Governor’s wife’s empowerment of women, thanking her for mobilising them to the venue and promoting health interventions.
Speaking on behalf of MITOSATH, Dr Francisca Olamiju expressed delight that the organisation had used the same drug to eliminate Trachoma in Dambam Local Government Area.
Dr Olamiju said MITOSATH had successfully conducted hydrocele surgeries for 170 men in Alkaleri Local Government and assured of expanded efforts across the state due to the enabling environment.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic administration of Azithromycin to eligible children and presentation of motorcycles to twenty NTD coordinators across local government areas of the state.
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