By Murtala Muhammad
Bauchi State Government has increased its family planning service delivery points from 610 to 713 facilities to improve access for women of reproductive age and strengthen reproductive health services across the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, stated this during the handover of family planning commodities delivered by the United Nations Population Fund, UNFPA and Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, CIFF grant in Bauchi.
Represented by the Executive Chairman of the State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, the commissioner said the additional facilities would help women safely space births and reduce maternal health risks.
He explained that demand for family planning services remains high across the state, noting that the newly supplied commodities would help address persistent stockout challenges confronting many health facilities in recent months.
The commissioner commended UNFPA for supporting Bauchi State in reducing maternal mortality and strengthening last-mile distribution of commodities, and pledged stronger government leadership to ensure sustainability despite the withdrawal of USAID support.
UNFPA County Representative, Ms Muriel Mafico, represented by the Bauchi State Programme Officer, Ms Deborah Tabara handed over 138,072 doses of Sayana Press and 10,908 units of Implanon NXT, which is part of a national procurement initiative funded to expand access to reproductive health commodities.
She said the UNFPA and CIFF recently signed an 18-month agreement to supply additional family planning commodities to seven priority states, including Bauchi, aiming to reduce unmet needs, promote demographic transition and enhance domestic financing.
National Demographic Health Survey, NDHS 2023-2024 reveals that Bauchi state with population estimate of 9.2 million people, faces reproductive health challenges, including high fertility rate of 6.2 children per woman, 22.2% of unmet need for FP, 49% stockout of FP commodities among others.
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