In a bid to reduce child mortality and improve healthcare outcomes, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has launched a free healthcare initiative in Gombe State.
Speaking while inspecting the exercise in one of the health facilities in the state, at the Gombe Township Maternity Clinic, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Nigeria-Bauchi, Dr Nuzhat Rafique explained that the programme which takes place twice a year, provides free vaccinations to infants, free drugs for pregnant women, and free delivery kits to those in their third trimester.
She added that the initiative is part of UNICEF’s nationwide efforts to improve healthcare of children and nursing mothers noting that it the beneficiaries also receive micro-nutrition supplies, vitamin A, and gives incentives for health workers.
She asked pregnant women to avail themselves at facilities across the state with a view to benefiting from the gesture and recording safe delivery.
Also speaking, the Deputy Facility Manager of the Gombe Township Maternity Clinic, Harira Musa, noted that within the week-long programme, they provide all health activities, including antenatal care, delivery, and immunisation to children.
She noted that the UNICEF’s support has been well-received by the community, with a significant turnout of pregnant women and nursing mothers.
“The organisation’s efforts are crucial in addressing the healthcare challenges faced by women and children in Gombe State”, she stated.
According to Safiya Mohammed, Routine Immunisation Officer at the facility, children should receive vaccinations from birth to 24 months to be fully immunised.
“We educate mothers on the importance of vaccination and the periods when they should bring their children for immunisation,” she explained.
