Maternal death is a big problem in Bauchi State, Nigeria. Too many mothers and babies die each year. But now, the state is taking action.
On December 8, 2025, Bauchi launched its second MNCH Week campaign. MNCH stands for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health. This program brings free health care to mothers and children across the state.
The goal is simple: save lives.
According to Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, this five-day event will help pregnant women, new mothers, and children under five years old.
UNICEF and WHO are partners in this effort. They provide medicine, supplies, and support.
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Why Is Maternal Death So High in Bauchi State?
Many women in Bauchi die during pregnancy or childbirth. This is called maternal death.
Several things cause maternal death in Nigeria:
- Poor nutrition – Many women don’t get enough food or vitamins
- Limited health care – Some women can’t reach a hospital in time
- Lack of vaccines – Some women miss important shots during pregnancy
- Malnutrition in children – Weak mothers often have weak babies
The Numbers Are Alarming
According to the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (2025):
- 61.7%Â of children are stunted (too short for their age)
- 33.4%Â of children are underweight
- 5.2%Â of children suffer from wasting (too thin)
These numbers show that many children don’t get enough healthy food. When mothers are malnourished, their babies suffer too.
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What Is MNCH Week and How Does It Work?
MNCH Week is a special health event. It happens twice a year in Nigeria. During this week, health workers go into communities. They give free services to mothers and children.
Services for Children (Ages 6-59 Months)
- Vitamin A supplements – Helps eyes and immune system
- Deworming medicine – Kills stomach worms (ages 12-59 months)
- Malnutrition screening – Checks if children are too thin
- Referrals – Sick children get sent to hospitals
Services for Pregnant Women
- MMS supplements – Multiple vitamins and minerals
- IFAS supplements – Iron and folic acid for healthy blood
- Tetanus vaccine – Protects mother and baby from infection
- SP medicine – Prevents malaria during pregnancy
- Health education – Tips for healthy pregnancy at home
All these services are free during MNCH Week.
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Money matters in the fight against maternal death. Bauchi State is investing big.
According to Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, the state government approved N300 million as a matching grant. This money goes to the Child Nutrition Fund.
Partner Contributions
UNICEF is also helping. For this round, they gave Bauchi State:
- Over 1.5 million doses of Vitamin A
- Over 47,000 bottles of MMS (Multiple Micronutrient Supplements)
- Other essential medicines and supplies
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Bauchi, confirmed this support.
Why Is Vitamin A Important for Preventing Child Death?
Vitamin A is a simple but powerful medicine. It helps children grow strong and healthy.
What Happens Without Vitamin A?
According to UNICEF (2025):
- Children can go blind
- Children get sick more often
- Children are more likely to die from simple illnesses like diarrhea
How Much Does Vitamin A Help?
Research shows that Vitamin A supplements reduce child death by 12-24%. This means for every 100 children who might die, Vitamin A can save 12 to 24 of them.
That’s why MNCH Week gives Vitamin A to all children ages 6 to 59 months.
This is a proven, low-cost way to save lives.
Why Do Pregnant Women Need Multiple Micronutrient Supplements?
Many pregnant women in Nigeria lack important vitamins and minerals. This is bad for both mother and baby.
Problems Caused by Micronutrient Deficiency
According to UNICEF:
- Anemia – Not enough healthy red blood cells
- Fatigue – Feeling too tired all the time
- Infection risk – Getting sick easily
- Low birth weight – Baby is born too small
- Poor growth – Baby doesn’t develop properly
The Solution: MMS
MMS stands for Multiple Micronutrient Supplements. These are vitamins made for pregnant women. They contain iron, folic acid, and other nutrients.
Taking MMS helps mothers stay healthy. It also helps babies grow strong before birth.
Planning a maternal health program? Get our evidence-based toolkit at Genderpedia.ng/shop →
What Are the Key Takeaways from Bauchi’s 2025 MNCH Campaign?
Here’s what you need to remember:
- Maternal death is preventable – With the right care, mothers can survive
- Bauchi is investing N300 million – The state government is serious about saving lives
- UNICEF gave 1.5 million Vitamin A doses – Partners are supporting the effort
- Malnutrition is at crisis levels – Over 61% of children in Bauchi are stunted
- Free services are available – Families should use MNCH Week services
Related Research You Should Read
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