The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Bauchi Chapter, inaugurated its Advocacy Champions on Tuesday under the Accelerating Implementation of Maternal, Neonatal, Child Nutrition, and Health Innovations project.

The initiative aims to reduce maternal mortality in the state by promoting innovative solutions and strengthening advocacy for maternal, newborn, and child health.

Speaking at the event in Bauchi, Ummu-Hani Ja’afar, chairperson of the chapter, said the champions were selected based on their commitment, influence, and track record in advocating for maternal, newborn, and child health and nutrition.

She explained that the AIM-MNCHN project would focus on postpartum haemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths during childbirth.

“Postpartum haemorrhage is a critical issue the project aims to address. The initiative is backed by a consortium of partners, including Pathfinder International, the African Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy, and the Centre for Communication and Social Impact,” Ms Ja’afar stated.

She added that AIM-MNCHN aimed to promote evidence-based advocacy, clarify policy pathways, introduce innovative maternal health products, and strengthen frontline capacity for postpartum haemorrhage care.

“With a deep understanding of the local health landscape and a proven ability to mobilise stakeholders, these champions will be instrumental in sustaining maternal health innovations in Bauchi,” she added.

Sani Dambam, the health commissioner, stated that the state has the highest maternal mortality rate in the North-East, according to the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey.

Mr Dambam noted that most maternal deaths in the state were due to preventable causes.

“The state government has taken steps to address challenges in the health sector, including a recent upward review of salaries for health workers in state-owned facilities,” he said.

He explained that the move was aimed at retaining medical personnel and aligning wages with those in federal institutions.

Mr Dambam also urged the newly inaugurated advocacy champions to partner with professional bodies such as the Nigerian Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Guild of Medical Directors.

He emphasised the need to promote antenatal care, hospital deliveries, and postnatal services through collaborations.

In a goodwill message, MWAN national president Rosemary Nkemdilim described the inauguration as a significant milestone in the association’s mission to enhance maternal and child health through innovation and collaboration.

She said Bauchi State was selected to pilot the MNCHN Innovation Champions Project and was expected to support and strengthen existing platforms, particularly the RMNCAH+N Technical Working Group.

The champions include medical practitioners, community leaders, journalists, and development workers, among others.

(NAN)