The collaboration between Global Affairs Canada (GAC) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Bauchi State has made notable strides in enhancing gender-responsive health governance. The partnership aims to improve healthcare delivery and empower local communities, particularly women, as highlighted by Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of Field Office, UNICEF Nigeria, during a recent visit by a GAC delegation.
Dr. Abdulrahman Ibrahim Ado represented Rafique during the visit. He noted that Canada’s investment is yielding significant results in addressing the challenges faced by children, adolescents, and women in the state. The collaboration has particularly focused on strengthening healthcare systems and promoting gender equality.
One of the key successes of this partnership has been mobilizing over 6,460 women through Mama2Mama support groups, enabling them to advocate for improved healthcare practices. This initiative has led to an 18.6% increase in women’s participation in health-related decision-making, including areas such as contraceptive use and antenatal care.
In addition to governance improvements, the partnership has facilitated training for 398 health workers on various essential healthcare practices, thereby enhancing healthcare service quality. In regards to child nutrition, the project effectively supported Vitamin A supplementation, reaching over 1.6 million children to combat deficiency and enhance child survival efforts.
The initiative also focused on adolescents and young people’s health, establishing health clubs across local government areas, which benefitted about 209,000 youths in 2025. Furthermore, practical skills training has been provided to women and adolescent girls to improve menstrual health and hygiene knowledge.
Efforts to achieve Open Defecation Free (ODF) status in Bauchi State are ongoing, supported by UNICEF’s initiatives aimed at improving sanitation practices. The initiative forms part of a broader priority to ensure equitable access to essential health services, reduce home deliveries, and enhance childhood immunization rates.
The Bauchi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, acknowledged the positive impact of development partners and expressed readiness to adopt recommendations from the GAC delegation aimed at strengthening the state’s healthcare services.
