In a significant move to bolster public health and empower its citizens, the Bauchi State Government, in strategic partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has finalized a comprehensive roadmap for reproductive health. The validation of the Family Planning Costed Implementation Plan (CIP) for 2026–2030 marks a pivotal commitment to expanding accessible, affordable, and high-quality child-spacing services across the state. This plan transcends a simple policy document; it is a detailed, financially-backed strategy designed to address deep-rooted challenges in maternal and adolescent health.
Dr. Sani Dambam, the State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, framed the plan as the essential policy compass for the coming half-decade. “Once approved by the State Executive Council,” he stated, “this CIP will provide the definitive direction for effective, coordinated family planning service delivery at every level of our healthcare system.” He underscored the indispensable role of UNFPA, not just in supporting this planning process but in the tangible provision of life-saving family planning commodities, a partnership he described as vital for reaching women and adolescents in even the most remote primary healthcare facilities.
The operational readiness for this ambitious plan is already being demonstrated. Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, revealed concrete steps: a recent consignment of commodities from UNFPA is poised for distribution, and the state government has catalysed the effort with the release of N15 million as its counterpart funding. Ongoing efforts to secure the remaining N17 million highlight the collaborative financial model essential for sustainable health programming. Dr. Mohammed extended commendation to a broad coalition—including the governor, local government chairmen, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and the media—whose advocacy is crucial for fostering community uptake and dispelling myths surrounding family planning.
He issued a sobering reminder of the stakes involved, directly linking poor birth spacing to life-threatening maternal complications. “Effective child-spacing interventions,” he emphasised, “are not merely about population management; they are a proven, frontline strategy for dramatically reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in our state.”
UNFPA Country Representative, Muriel Mafico, hailed the validation as a “major achievement,” positioning the N4.38 billion plan squarely within UNFPA’s global mandate to achieve zero unmet need for family planning and zero preventable maternal deaths. The projection of an estimated N10 billion return on investment is a powerful argument for the plan’s economic rationale, demonstrating how spending on reproductive health saves costs in broader healthcare, social services, and by fostering a more productive workforce.
Dr. Mohammed Liman, a consultant on the plan, provided critical context that underscores both the progress made and the formidable gap remaining. He revealed that while modern contraceptive use in Bauchi has risen commendably from 2% in 2008 to 10.6% in 2024, the unmet need—representing women who wish to delay or prevent pregnancy but are not using a modern method—remains alarmingly high at 22%. This stark statistic illuminates the precise challenge the CIP is designed to solve: bridging the chasm between desire and access.
The plan’s targets are multifaceted and ambitious, addressing systemic barriers head-on:
- Infrastructure Upgrade: 125 health facilities will be upgraded to provide high-quality, dignified family planning services.
- Youth Engagement: The establishment of adolescent-friendly centres recognises the unique needs and rights of young people, offering them confidential and non-judgmental care.
- Inclusive Access: A dedicated focus on providing inclusive services for persons with disabilities ensures the plan leaves no one behind.
- Supply Chain Security: A critical component is the five-year forecast for commodity requirements, aiming to eliminate stock-outs and ensure an uninterrupted supply to meet rising demand.
“The successful implementation of this CIP,” Dr. Liman concluded, “will yield a transformative impact: a measurable reduction in maternal and infant deaths, improved reproductive health autonomy for women and girls, and a stronger, more resilient healthcare delivery system for all of Bauchi State.” The validated plan now moves to the State Executive Council for formal approval, setting the stage for a five-year journey toward greater health, equity, and economic well-being for its population.
(Source: NAN)
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