The United Nations Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF) has concluded plans to introduce a new health initiative, ‘Fathers for Good Health’ in Taraba State.
UNICEF aid the decision is geared at increasing male involvement in healthcare advocacy in the state.
Chief of the UNICEF Bauchi Field Office, Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, announced the introduction of the programme during an assessment visit to primary healthcare facilities in Gassol local Government Council of the state.
Speaking in Mutum-Biyu, the local government headquarters, she emphasized the importance of engaging fathers in maternal and child health efforts to address challenges faced by the ‘Mama-to-Mama’ advocacy group.
“The men will be able to talk to their fellow men, and the challenges our Mama-to-Mama advocacy group faces will be eliminated,” Dr. Rafique stated.
She explained that the initiative seeks to encourage fathers to support their wives in accessing healthcare services, ultimately improving immunization rates and maternal health outcomes.
She also highlighted UNICEF’s continued efforts, with support from other partners, to strengthen healthcare facilities and governance in the state.
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Despite the conclusion of the memorandum of understanding with GAVI, she assured that UNICEF and other partners will continue to provide technical assistance.
Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukura, praised the partnership’s impact and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to sustaining improvements in the healthcare sector.
Residents were urged to take advantage of the enhanced healthcare services for better maternal and child health outcomes.
