By Sani Adamu Hassan
Traditional rulers in Bauchi State have called for intensified efforts to sensitise the public on the importance of antenatal attendance by pregnant women, with the aim of reducing maternal mortality.
This was part of the deliberations at the Community Advisory Board (CAB) quarterly meeting organised by the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) project, College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University, Bauchi.
The meeting, themed “Encouraging Pregnant Women to Attend Antenatal and Enrol on CHAMPS Pregnancy Surveillance During the First Trimester and Managing Rumours Related to the Project,” highlighted the critical role of antenatal care in safeguarding maternal and child health.
Speaking at the event, Principal Investigator of the CHAMPS project, Dr. Lamaran Dattijo, reaffirmed the project’s commitment to strengthening community engagement and collaboration in tackling child mortality in Bauchi State.
Represented by Dr. Abubakar Umar, Dattijo explained that CHAMPS’ core mission is to better understand the causes of child mortality and apply that knowledge to prevent avoidable deaths.
He therefore stressed that community leaders play a crucial role in ensuring the project’s success, as their cultural insights and guidance align scientific efforts with community realities.
In his remarks, Chairman of the CHAMPS Community Advisory Board (CAB) Alhaji Baba Mohammed Gidado, applauded the project’s positive impact on primary healthcare delivery in the state.
The CAB chairman who is also the District Head of Ganjuwa assured that the traditional institution would continue to support the initiative for the benefit of women and children.
Also speaking, Lead Community Engagement Officer, Dr. Jamilu Yaya, presented a paper titled “Understanding Rumour and its Effects on Public Health Interventions” urges the public to always seek accurate information to dispel misconceptions surrounding child mortality in the state.
The meeting was attended by Madakin Bauchi (Hakimin Ganjuwa), Alhaji Baba Mohammed Gidado; Danjikan Bauchi (Hakimin Miri), Hussaini Abubakar; Sarkin Miya; Malam Abdullahi Muazu (Deputy Chairman, Bauchi Local Government); Dr. Rilwani Mohd (Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board); and other members of the Community Advisory Board.
