The Bauchi State Government has announced the sum of ?500 million as an intervention for the procurement of Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to prevent anaemia in pregnancy and ensure skilled, safe delivery.
The announcement was made during the second quarter (Q2) 2026 meeting of the State Task Force on Primary Healthcare (STF-PHC), which brought together top government officials, traditional leaders, development partners and health sector stakeholders to review progress and reinforce commitments towards improving primary healthcare services across the state.
Delivering his keynote address, the State Deputy Governor and Chairman of the STF-PHC, Rt Hon. Mohammed Auwal Jatau, emphasised that the task force meeting provides an opportunity to review collective progress and renew strategic leadership for primary healthcare delivery.
He acknowledged the strong collaboration between the state government and development partners, noting that interventions in routine immunisation, maternal and child health, nutrition services and disease surveillance are yielding encouraging results.
The Deputy Governor appreciated the Governor’s approval and release of ?300 million as a UNICEF nutrition matching grant in 2025, which was matched by the agency for the procurement of critical commodities, including Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF), Small-Quantity Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (SQ-LNS) and Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS).
He disclosed that while most of the commodities have been distributed across the state, the MMS procurement process is ongoing.
He further revealed that the Governor has approved the sum of ?500 million for the same intervention in 2026, with the state awaiting the release of the funds.
He also highlighted the ongoing ?19 billion renovation, upgrading and equipping of the Specialist Hospital Bauchi as a major investment in the health sector.
While acknowledging the gains recorded, the Deputy Governor noted persisting challenges such as human resource gaps, data quality issues, service delivery bottlenecks and the need for stronger community engagement.
He called on all local government chairpersons and stakeholders to intensify supervision and accountability at the grassroots, stressing that the success of primary healthcare depends largely on effective implementation at ward and facility levels.
In his closing remarks, the Co-Chair of the STF-PHC and the Emir of Dass urged members to translate deliberations into concrete actions that will directly impact communities.
He emphasised the vital role of traditional institutions in mobilising communities to utilise primary healthcare services and assured continued support in promoting health-seeking behaviour at the grassroots.
Earlier in his welcome remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr Sani Mohammed Dambam, described the meeting as a critical platform for assessing ongoing interventions, identifying gaps and strengthening accountability mechanisms at all levels of care.
He reiterated that primary healthcare remains the backbone of the health system and is essential to achieving universal health coverage, reducing maternal and child mortality, and improving community wellbeing across Bauchi State.