NAWOJ/ UNICEF collaborate with local caregivers to curb MNCH+NM in Bauchi

From: Ruth Yarnap, Bauchi

The Nigeria  Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) has held a sensitization meeting with some selected caregivers in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi state to address the issues of Maternal, Newborn, Child Health plus Nutrition and Malaria (MNCH+NM).

The activity,organised by NAWOJ in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), was Media Promotion for Selected Women in Kirfi Local Government Area(LGA) in Kirfi Local Government Area.

In her address,  the chairperson NAWOJ Bauchi State Chapter, Mrs Bulak Afsa, explained that the exercise was channeled to improve MNCH+NM to women of child bearing age.

Afsa said healthy caregivers nurtured  healthy children in the society, hence the need for updated information to be viral.

She advised mothers to ensure completion of routine immunization, Ante- natal and hospital delivery for healthy babies, stressing that “according to statistics, the  number of women attending ante-natal clinics is encouraging but the number recorded for hospital deliveries is low.

” Mothers as custodians of homes need to.ensure that the well-being of children through preventive methods are adhered to.”

Ms Elizabeth Karr,  an Ex-Officio member of NAWOJ in the state, in her presentation, said that the activity would create  a platform  to give advice to caregivers on environmental and personal hygiene as the rainy season sets in and reminded caregivers of ailments associated with the season.

According to her, caregivers should see the opportunity  as a giant stride in the fight against Malaria through information dissemination and good health practices.

Speaking also,Mr Lamin Mohammed,the Communication Consultant,UNICEF Bauchi office, opined that individuals have a role to play in safeguarding the health of the community.

Mohammed commended  the commitment of the  Bauchi state  Government in a area of provision of healthcare delivery  services to the populace.

The Health Educator, Bauchi state, Hajiya Rahina Aliyu, charged participants to step down information to other women for a healthy society.