By Murtala Muhammad
Wife of the Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya A’isha Bala Mohammed has urged parents to present their children under the age five to benefit from the ongoing Azithromycin administration aimed at preventing them against infectious diseases.
She made the call while addressing a gathering during the flag-off of mass administration of Azithromycin to children under the age five, organised by the State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with Mission To Save the Helpless (MITOSATH).
Azithromycin is used in treating bacterial infections, such as bronchitis; pneumonia; sexually transmitted diseases; and infections of the ears, lungs, sinuses, skin, throat, and reproductive organs.
Hajiya A’isha Bala Mohammed said the the campaign was in conformity with the present administration’s commitment towards ensuring healthy living among families.
She disclosed that the drug which was procured in millions of Naira, would be administered free of charge to all children from zero to fifty nine months.
According to her the drug has long been in use in Bauchi State especially in treatment of pneumonia and other related infections and was proven to be safe and effective, which can also be used safely by all children.
The Chairman, State Primary Health Care Board Dr Rilwanu Mohammed commended the Governor for consistently paying contribution into the Health Care Basket Fund, assuring the state’s commitment to sustain synergy with Implementing Partners towards addressing maternal and child mortality.
Dr Femi Owoeye who spoke on behalf of the Gates Foundation, expressed satisfaction that the state was a good partner looking at the success recorded while implementing Accelerated Action Initiative, leading to the drastic reduction in under-five mortality.
While noting the state’s significant improvement in 2023 NDHS, the State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam assured that no eligible child would be left out.
Dr Sani Dambam who acknowledged the empowerment being provided to women by the Wife of the State Governor, thanked her for sensitising and mobilising them to venue of the ceremony.
Also Speaking on behalf of MITOSATH, Dr Francisca Olamiju expressed delight that the organisation, being the imolementing partner for the SARMAAN ll project, had used the same drung to eliminate Traucoma in Dambam local government area of Bauch State.
Dr Olamiju said MITOSATH had successfully conducted hydrocele surgeries for 170 men in Alkaleri local council and assured to do more in other parts of the state, considering the enabling working environment being enjoyed.
Highlight of the extent was the symbolic administration of Azitromycin to eligible children, presentation of motorcycles to twenty local government Neglected Tropical Disease (NTD) coordinators among others.
