Bauchi: The Bauchi State Government has received a significant boost in its healthcare delivery services following the donation of 45 motorcycles by Global Affairs Canada through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Bauchi Field Office. This initiative aims to strengthen immunisation efforts and healthcare access across the state.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the motorcycles have been distributed across the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi State. The primary objective is to enhance outreach services, specifically targeting underserved communities to improve their access to essential healthcare and immunisation services. This intervention is particularly crucial for reaching “zero-dose” children, who have not received any vaccinations, and for providing antenatal care to women in remote areas.
During the handover ceremony, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, highlighted the importance of addressing logistics challenges to ensure that vulnerable populations can access healthcare services. She emphasized the urgency of outreach initiatives in areas where maternal and neonatal mortality rates remain high, particularly in the North-East of Nigeria.
Rafique further stated that UNICEF is committed to supporting initiatives that aim to improve health outcomes for women, children, and adolescents through sustained partnerships and targeted healthcare interventions across the region.
Dr. Sani Dambam, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, lauded the timely intervention and pledged that the state government would ensure the motorcycles are used effectively to enhance healthcare delivery in rural communities. He also cautioned against misuse, affirming that sanctions would be imposed on any personnel who fail to use the motorcycles appropriately.
UNICEF Health Officer, Seyi Olosunde, noted that the donation aligns with World Immunisation Week, underscoring the pivotal role of vaccines in disease prevention and public health promotion. Olosunde described immunisation as a gateway for providing integrated primary healthcare services, offering opportunities to deliver essential health interventions to children and families.
He added that the motorcycles would significantly improve healthcare delivery in hard-to-reach areas, allowing health workers to provide immunisation, antenatal care, and adolescent health services, thus enhancing overall healthcare outcomes in Bauchi State.