By Rauf Oyewole
Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed has awarded members of community structure termed Fathers-4-Good Health for promoting good health initiatives at the grassroots where there is resistance in healthcare services adoption.
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in partnership with the state government introduced Fathers for Good Health (F4H) to promote zero dose of vaccines in the state.
Mohammed acknowledged the community health drive by the group, adding that they’ve recorded positive impacts in the effective healthcare services delivery in the state.
He presented the award on Tuesday through his Deputy, Awwal Jatau, he lauded their efforts in promoting positive health behavior, awareness, supporting immunisation campaigns, encouraging maternal and child healthcare utilisation, and mobilising communities.
He said that their support has contributed significantly to improving the health status of the people.
Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, said the state government places high priority on community-driven healthcare interventions. He commended UNICEF and the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board for recognising the contributions of Fathers for Good Health in advancing primary healthcare services.
According to him, greater involvement of fathers in healthcare matters would significantly improve maternal and child health indicators.
He urged members of the group to remain dedicated to their role as advocates for positive behavioral change in communities, saying the Fathers for Good Health initiative is helping to build safer communities, healthier families, and a more responsible society.
UNICEF Team Lead from Abuja, Dr. Asnakew Tsega, said that the UN Agency would continue to protect every child in Nigeria and around the world. He commended the State for its leadership in supporting the Fathers for Good Health initiative.
Dr. Tsega noted that UNICEF recognized the critical role men play in family decision-making, which informed the establishment of the programme initially in Ningi and Misau Local Government Areas.
He called on the state government to expand the initiative to all 20 LGAs to enable more communities to benefit.
