By Murtala Muhammad
Improper handling of labour during childbirth has been identified as one of the major causes of Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus, (MNT) in Bauchi State.
The State Immunisation Officer, Malam Nasiru Shuaibu, made the observation during a stakeholders’ engagement on Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus Elimination, organised by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board in Bauchi.
Malam Nasiru Shuaibu expressed concern over reported cases of MNT in some parts of the state, stressing the need for stakeholders to sensitise parents and communities on safe practices during childbirth.
He listed symptoms of neonatal tetanus to include inability of newborn babies to breastfeed properly, excessive crying, stiffness of the jaw and facial muscles, and arching of the back, among others.
The State Immunisation Officer said symptoms of maternal tetanus include neck stiffness, painful muscles, difficulty in swallowing, fever and high blood pressure, among other signs.
He advised pregnant women to attend antenatal care and receive the recommended immunisation, describing vaccination as an effective preventive measure against the disease.
In his remarks, the State Health Education Officer of the Primary Health Care Board, Malam Muhammad Jibrin Ribado, said the meeting was aimed at enlightening stakeholders on the MNTE campaign and strategies for eliminating the disease.
Malam Ribado identified Ningi, Shira, Giade, Ganjuwa, Tafawa Balewa, Itas-Gadau, Kirfi and Darazo Local Government Areas as areas recording relatively high numbers of cases in the state.
In separate remarks, the Chairmen of Kirfi and Shira Local Government Areas, Alhaji Garba and Alhaji Sale Hudi Jibir, expressed appreciation for the engagement and pledged their support towards addressing the cases and achieving the objectives of the elimination campaign.