The Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Bauchi Chapter, has launched a team of Advocacy Champions to help reduce the maternal mortality in the state. The effort is part of a larger project called AIM-MNCHN — short for Accelerating Implementation of Maternal, Neonatal, Child Nutrition, and Health Innovations.
The main goal of the project is to save more lives by improving care for mothers, newborns, and children. It focuses especially on postpartum haemorrhage — heavy bleeding after childbirth — which is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.
At the event in Bauchi, chapter chairperson Ummu-Hani Ja’afar explained that the Advocacy Champions were chosen because of their dedication and experience in speaking up for the health and nutrition of women and children. These champions will help spread awareness, push for better policies, and support the use of new healthcare tools and products.
The project is supported by several health organisations, including:
- Pathfinder International
- African Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy
- Centre for Communication and Social Impact
Ms. Ja’afar said that these champions have strong knowledge of the local health system and will help make sure that new solutions for maternal care succeed in Bauchi.
What Was Said About Maternal Mortality
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Sani Dambam, shared a serious concern: Bauchi currently has the highest maternal death rate in the North-East, according to the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey. He said many of these deaths are preventable.
To help fix this, the state has increased the salaries of health workers to keep skilled professionals from leaving. Mr. Dambam encouraged the new champions to work with professional groups like the Nigerian Medical Association, Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria, and the Guild of Medical Directors. He also stressed the importance of promoting antenatal care, safe hospital deliveries, and postnatal services.
In her goodwill message, MWAN’s national president, Dr. Rosemary Nkemdilim, described the launch as a big step forward. She noted that Bauchi was chosen to pilot the Innovation Champions Project and is expected to support existing efforts, through the state’s health working group.
The Advocacy Champions include doctors, community leaders, journalists, and development workers.
Conclusion:
The fight against maternal mortality in Bauchi is getting stronger with the launch of MWAN’s Advocacy Champions. Through innovation, partnerships, and strong community voices, there is new hope for safer pregnancies and childbirth for women in the state.
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