Bauchi State Flags Off Mass Azithromycin Distribution to Tackle Child Mortality, Commits to Health and Education Development

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Bauchi State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving healthcare and education across the state, following the official launch of a mass distribution exercise of Azithromycin, a life-saving antibiotic aimed at reducing child mortality.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony of the campaign, First Lady of Bauchi State, Hajiya A’isha Bala Muhammad, disclosed that the state government has fully paid all counterpart funds required under existing agreements with development partners, these include the Primary Healthcare Management and Operationalization Committee (PHC MOUC) counterpart fund, the Child Nutrition Matching Grant, and the Family Planning Basket Fund.

She said, this demonstrates the unwavering commitment of state Government to health and education sectors that are central to human capital development.

Hajiya A’isha, commended development partners, particularly the Gates Foundation, for their continued trust and support, including the donation of millions of naira worth of Azithromycin to be distributed free of charge to children under five across the state.

As a passionate advocate for women and children, the First Lady announced the award of 50 scholarships to young girls to pursue Bachelor of Science degrees in Nursing and other courses at Al-Muhibbah Open University.

Dr. A’isha pledged that her Al-Muhibbah Foundation would continue to implement impactful programs that transform lives, while calling on the state government to maintain a conducive environment for development partners to operate effectively.

She urged residents across Bauchi State to participate fully in the Azithromycin campaign, emphasizing that the medicine would be delivered door-to-door.

The First Lady further appealed to Local Government Area (LGA) chairmen and their spouses, as well as religious and traditional leaders, to mobilize their communities and ensure maximum participation in the exercise.

In his remarks, Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, reiterated the government’s prioritization of the health sector.

He expressed appreciation to the Gates Foundation for its critical support in strengthening the state’s healthcare delivery system.

The commissioner said, Azithromycin is a proven intervention that prevents common but deadly childhood illnesses such as pneumonia, trachoma, and diarrhea.

He noted that the SARMAAN II project has provided 20 motorcycles to Local Government Neglected Tropical Diseases Coordinators to facilitate the smooth implementation of the mass drug administration across hard-to-reach communities.

In his remarks the Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Board, Dr Rilwanu Muhammad emphasized that the campaign would run for five days across all 20 LGAs, targeting children aged 1 to 59 months.

He urged LGA chairmen to formally inaugurate the exercise in their respective areas to ensure full coverage and effectiveness.

On his part, the representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Sunday Stephen lauded the Bauchi State Government for its proactive role in ensuring the success of the initiative.

He stated that the project aligns with national and global targets to reduce under-five mortality to 20% by 2030.

In his Goodwill message, the Coordinator of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in Bauchi, Alhaji Sulaiman Madugu, confirmed that the Azithromycin distribution will be conducted twice a year as part of a sustained public health strategy.

Representing the Gates Foundation, Dr. Femi Ayoyeye, praised Bauchi State for achieving the second-lowest maternal mortality and morbidity rate in the Northeast region.

He credited the state’s success to strong political will and effective collaboration, stating, without the warm reception and full support from the Bauchi State Government, Gates foundation would not have witnessed this level of success.

on her part, the National Coordinator for Mitosath, Mrs. Francisca Olamiju, highlighted the success of previous Azithromycin interventions in Dambam LGA, where trachoma prevalence significantly declined, saying this prompted the expansion of the program to 20 LGAs.

She said they look forward to achieving high coverage and sustained impact, thanking the state government and the Gates Foundation for their financial and logistical support.

Representing traditional rulers, Alhaji Nuru Adamu Jumba, District Head of Bauchi Metropolitan, pledged the full support of traditional institutions in promoting government-led health initiatives.

He called on parents to cooperate with health workers and accept the medication to safeguard their children’s lives.

The District Head said the mass distribution of Azithromycin marks a major milestone in Bauchi State’s efforts to build a healthier, more resilient population through strategic partnerships, political commitment, and community engagement.