Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr Adamu Umar Sambo has declared that Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) is one of the vital Maternal supplements that improve maternal nutrition throughout the pregnancy and improve good pregnancy outcomes.
The Commissioner made the declaration on Tuesday, 3rd September, 2024 in his speech during the Multiple Micronutrient Supplement inception meeting and launching of the Scale-up of the commodity held in Bauchi.
Adamu Sambo stressed that, “Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to let you know that it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every mother has access to Multiple micronutrients Supplement and other healthcare services in our health facilities.”
He added that, “It is a time to reaffirm our commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes in line with the my Banki Plan 2.0. However, I want to inform you that Bauchi state government received 134,280 bottles of Micronutrient supplement through Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board for the scale up.”
“We must also recognize the Government’s efforts in improving healthcare services delivery including Nutrition. There is still much work to be done, Mothers continue to die from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth,” he added.
According to him, “State Government has continued to bridge so many gaps bringing about significant improvement such as increasing fund allocation to health programming, ensure adequate drug supplies, recruitment of skilled health personnel and RUTF fully supply.”
The Commissioner emphasized that, as leaders and stakeholders, “we have a duty to prioritize maternal and child health, to invest in healthcare infrastructure, to strengthen health systems, and to ensure that no mother, newborn or child is left behind.”
He added, “Finally, I want appreciate all stakeholders’ efforts in making this possible, especially BMGF/ADF, UNICEF, Alive & Thrive fhi360 and of course, Advancing Nutation Nigeria, Breakthrough Action Nigeria, Nutrition International for the support extended to Bauchi State toward improving health. system.”
Adamu Sambo stressed that, “I believe, together, we can make a difference. Together, we can ensure that every mother, every newborn, and every child receives the care they deserve. Let us work together to build a healthier and brighter future for all.”
In his remarks, Executive Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed stressed the importance of the introduction of MMS in pregnancy saying that it is to complement the effectiveness of iron acid being used.
He assured that the Board will ensure that the MMS is made available at all the health facilities across the state while the Health workers have been sensitized and equipped on how to effectively administer it alongside the iron acid.
All the line Ministries in their various presentations commended the initiative of scaling up the MMS across the state stressing that it will reduce the dangers associated with pregnancy and promote positive outcomes.
The Ministries are Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination, Women Affairs, and Child Development as well as Agriculture, they all commended the donor partners for their support to the State in promoting quality Healthcare delivery services.
