By Ishola Michael
A Bauchi based CSO, Journalists for Public health and Development Initiative (J4PD) has advocated for the immediate release of the sum of N25 million counterpart funds for the activities of United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) as it affects childbirth spacing (CBS).
The nonprofit making organisation is urging Bauchi State Commissioner of Finance and Accountant General of the State, to as a matter of urgency, facilitate the release of the money as approved by State Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir to save pregnancies, mothers, Bauchi babies and family health generally.
It may be recalled that the state is obligated to pay counterpart funds to United Nations Population Funds (UNFPA) to ensure that every pregnancy is wanted, every birth is safe, and every young child is protected.
The demand was contained in a press release signed by the Executive Director of J4PD, Ms Elizabeth Kah and made available to Journalists in Bauchi on Thursday.
She explained that States partnering with UNFPA have paid their counterpart funds as a commitment to strengthen access to CBS services and promote maternal and child health.
According to reports from the State health agencies, demand has been created on uptake of child birth spacing services in the State to save the lives of mothers and babies.
While commending the state government for the release of the sum of N50 million for procurement of CBS commodities,the group advocated for timely release to promote maternal and child health in the state.
"As Journalists, we create awareness on uptake of child birth spacing services across Bauchi State and North East sub region. Clients are visiting facilities but commodities are not available," She stated.
Elizabeth Kah added that, "Investigations revealed that the Governor, Sen Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir is committed and has graciously approved for the release of the money, yet it has not been released."
She appealed, "We are calling on the Bauchi State commissioner of finance and state Account General to facilitate the release of the N25 million counterpart.
"We need all pregnancies and we need our mothers and babies to be healthy and alive," she added.
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