The United Nations Population Fund handed over 20,000 doses of family planning commodities to the Bauchi government on Friday.

The items, valued at N50 million, included injectables and Implanon.

The procurement was fully funded by the Bauchi government, aligning with the National Guidelines for State-Funded Procurement of Family Planning Commodities.

These guidelines were adopted and inaugurated by Governor Bala Mohammed in 2023.

Dashe Dasogote, assistant representative of UNFPA Nigeria, described the handover as a significant milestone in strengthening the family planning funding landscape in the state.

“It reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring sustainable access to quality and affordable family planning services,” he said.

Speaking at the event, Rilwanu Mohammed, executive secretary of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, confirmed that the consignment was intended for use in 2024.

“With the arrival of these commodities, we are also preparing a request for funding commodities for 2025. Our mothers are eagerly waiting for these supplies, and we appeal to UNFPA to ensure timely delivery in the future,” he said.

Mr Mohammed also commended UNFPA for facilitating the last-mile distribution of the commodities to health facilities across the state.

He acknowledged the contributions of the Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative for tracking the health budget and advocating for timely fund releases.

Earlier, Abdullahi Dan-Asabe, director of public health at the Bauchi State Ministry of Health, lauded the current administration for its consistency in the timely release of funds.

(NAN)