The Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) project has engaged 100 skilled birth attendants to strengthen healthcare services in Bauchi State.

The SBAs will be deployed to maternity units in primary health centres across the state.

Speaking at the orientation course on Saturday in Bauchi, Bauchi State Commissioner of Health, Dr Sani Mohammad, said the effort would complement government initiatives to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

He said, “Your engagement will bridge the gap in human resources for health at the primary healthcare level, which is the closest facility to the community. The state government has sustained efforts in providing policy direction and funding to the health sector, especially as it relates to women and children,” he said.

He also warned that the state would not tolerate any form of misconduct from the SBAs.

Dr Mohammed Adamu, Project Manager of IMPACT, Dr Mohammed Adamu, stated that the orientation course aimed to clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the SBAs.

He reminded them of their critical role in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in the facilities supported by the project.

He noted, “The project recognised that the state has an inadequate number of skilled birth attendants, especially at the primary healthcare level. The SBAs, comprising community midwives and community health extension workers, are tasked with promoting safe delivery and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.”

Mr Adamu added that the SBAs were selected from volunteers already working in primary healthcare centres across the state.

He noted that the newly contracted SBAs had been deployed to maternity units where they were expected to manage normal and complicated labour, provide antenatal and postnatal care, and offer family planning services.

He added, “To support their work, IMPACT has renovated existing accommodations, constructed new ones where needed, renovated 124 PHCs, and provided solar power and boreholes.’’

Mr Adamu said the project would track the SBAs’ performance using an online application installed on their mobile phones, which also detailed their locations.

He added, “Additionally, IMPACT will provide the latest 4D ultrasound machines to secondary health facilities.”

He also informed the SBAs that anyone who refused their place of posting should resign honourably.

He stated, “Your stipends will be sent directly to your health facilities. Before you resume, your salary would have been paid to the facility, so there is no room for complaints.”

The Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board, Dr Rilwanu Mohammed, was represented by the Provost of Aliko Dangote College of Nursing Sciences Bauchi, Rakiya Saleh.

She said the SBAs’ contract would save the lives of pregnant women and children in underserved communities.

“Your work also involves mobilising pregnant women to access services. Five SBAs were deployed to each of the 20 Local Government Areas of Bauchi State for an initial period of seven months, pending possible project extension,” she added.

(NAN)