By Bashir Hassan
Public health experts have raised fresh concerns over the high prevalence of zero-dose children and the low rate of exclusive breastfeeding in Bauchi State—two key child survival practices that serve as the first line of defense against preventable killer diseases.
The alarm was sounded at an engagement session with journalists hosted by UNICEF Bauchi Field Office (BFO) on Wednesday, 3rd September 2025.
Speaking at the event, Dr. David Audu, UNICEF BFO Health Specialist, disclosed that despite interventions by the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board and other partners, Bauchi still ranks second after Sokoto State in terms of zero-dose cases. According to him, this leaves thousands of children vulnerable to life-threatening but preventable diseases.
On nutrition, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Philomena Irene, noted that Bauchi State is among the lowest-ranked states in exclusive breastfeeding practices, a critical intervention that, alongside immunization, strengthens children’s immunity in their formative years.
Highlighting UNICEF’s contributions, George Eki, Social and Behavioural Change Specialist, said that initiatives such as Fathers for Good Health and Mama2Mama community resource groups are working at grassroots level to sensitize caregivers on immunization, exclusive breastfeeding, antenatal and postnatal care, nutrition, WASH, and other healthy practices.
Earlier, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, UNICEF Chief of Field Office, commended the Bauchi State Government for approving ₦300 million for the Child Nutrition Fund. She announced that UNICEF would match the contribution, doubling the resources available to tackle malnutrition across the state.
Dr. Rafique also appreciated journalists for amplifying issues affecting children and women, urging them to sustain their advocacy and awareness efforts through their platforms.
It would be recalled that UNICEF Nigeria Representative, Ms. Wafaa Saeed, recently visited Bauchi State where she met Governor Bala Mohammed and toured communities in Ganjuwa LGA. During her visit, she reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the state in improving child and maternal health, education, social protection, and a safe environment.
