Healthcare professionals in Bauchi State have expressed renewed alarm over the increasing rates of maternal deaths, emphasizing the urgent need to boost antenatal care attendance among expectant mothers as a crucial measure to protect both maternal and child health.
This appeal was made during the quarterly session of the Community Advisory Board (CAB), convened by the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) initiative at the College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
Under the theme “Promoting Early Antenatal Visits and Enrollment in CHAMPS Pregnancy Surveillance During the First Trimester While Addressing Project-Related Misinformation,” the meeting underscored the importance of enhanced community awareness campaigns focused on maternal healthcare services.
Dr. Abubakar Umar, representing the CHAMPS project’s principal investigator, Dr. Lamaran Dattijo, reiterated the project’s dedication to strengthening partnerships with local communities to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
He highlighted that CHAMPS aims to produce data-driven insights into the causes of child deaths and apply these findings to develop effective, life-saving strategies.
“The involvement of community leaders is indispensable. Their support ensures that scientific approaches are culturally sensitive and effectively embraced at the grassroots level,” he explained.
Baba Mohammed Gidado, the District Head of Ganjuwa and chairman of the CHAMPS Community Advisory Board, praised the project’s role in enhancing primary healthcare services across Bauchi. He assured ongoing backing from traditional authorities, emphasizing that safeguarding the wellbeing of women and children is a shared duty.
During his address, Dr. Jamilu Yaya, Lead Community Engagement Officer, called on attendees to actively dispel falsehoods with verified information, cautioning that unchecked rumors about maternal and child health could severely hinder progress.
“Misinformation threatens to undermine critical health initiatives,” Dr. Yaya warned. “Equipping communities with accurate knowledge empowers them to make life-preserving choices.”
The meeting brought together traditional leaders, local government representatives, the executive chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board, and other key stakeholders, all committing to intensify outreach and advocacy efforts aimed at improving maternal health outcomes.
