By Amina Ahmed
In her efforts to contain the challenges associated with Maternal, Newborn, Child Health plus Nutrition and Malaria (MNCH+NM), the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Bauchi state chapter, has on Wednesday engaged some selected caregivers in Kirfi Local Government Area of Bauchi state to carry out the task.
A press statement issued to WikkiTimes by Amina Abubakar stated that the activity was staged for Media Promotion for Selected Women in Kirfi local government area of the state.
The statement said further that the activity was organised by the Bauchi state Chapter of NAWOJ in collaboration with UNICEF, Bauchi office.
It added that the chairperson of NAWOJ in the state, Mrs Bulak Afsa said the activity was targeted at providing relevant information on MNCH+NM and guidelines on COVID 19 to women of child bearing age.
According to Afsa, the caregivers must be informed on reproductive health to take responsibilities of their health status.
She emphasized on routine immunization and Ante-natal care as well as hospital delivery as the bedrock for maternal and child health.
“According to statistics,there is a high number of women attending ante-natal clinics but less numbers are recorded for hospital deliveries”, she said.
The Chairperson maintained that “as caregivers, we need to be responsible in ensuring that the health and well-being of the children through preventive methods are adhered to”.
On her part, Elizabeth Carr, an Ex- Officio of the association, tasked caregivers on environmental and personal hygiene as the raining season sets in, reminding caregivers on ailments associated with the season such as the water borne diseases.
“In our own local way, we can spray used engine oil in running gutters and surroundings to stop mosquitoes from breeding”,she said.
Carr said that caregivers should take a giant stride on fighting against Malaria through information dissemination and good health Practices.
In his contribution, Mr Lamin Mohammed, the Communication Consultant, UNICEF Bauchi office said individuals have a role to play in safeguarding their health.
He appreciated the commitment of the Bauchi state Government on provision of healthcare services to the populace.
Also, a Health Educator, in the state, Hajiya Rahina Aliyu appreciated NAWOJ for its contribution towards health development in Bauchi.