Bauchi traditional rulers reminded on roles in guiding, supporting implementation of child health, mortality prevention

By Akanji Alowolodu, Bauchi

Traditional rulers in Bauchi State have been reminded that, as custodians of tradition and guardians of the people’s trust, they have important roles to play in guiding and supporting implementation of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) project.

The assertion was made by the Principal Investigator of CHAMPS,
Dr. Lamaran Dattijo Makama ( Co-PI CHAMPS Bauchi Catchment Area, during the Quarterly meeting of the Community Advisory Board (CAB), held on Saturday in Bauchi.

Represented by Dr Abubakar Umar, the CHAMPS PI, stressed that, “At CHAMPS, our mission is simple yet vital which is to better understand the causes of child mortality and to use that knowledge to prevent further deaths or at least minimize it.”

According to him, “But we cannot succeed without your voices, your insights, and your blessings. Community engagement is at the heart of everything we do, and we are here today to listen, to learn, and to work together.”

“We deeply value the feedback and guidance of this advisory board. Your cultural, social, and community wisdom strengthens our scientific efforts and ensures that our work remains respectful, relevant, and impactful,” he added.

He added that, “Let me reaffirm that the CHAMPS Project and it’s team remains committed to transparency, collaboration, and respect for all stakeholders.”

Lamaran Dattijo added that, “It is with deep respect and appreciation that I welcome you all to this important Community Advisory Board meeting. I especially recognize and thank our distinguished traditional leaders and local government representatives for honoring us with their presence today.”

“Your presence here today signifies the strength of our partnership and your commitment to the health and well-being of children in our communities,” he added.

He stressed that,”Together, we can make lasting changes that honor our children and protect future generations. Once again, thank you all for being here. May our deliberations today be fruitful and may our partnership continue to grow in strength and purpose.”

In his brief remarks, Chairman of the CHAMPS Community Advisory Board (CAB), who is the District Head of Ganjuwa, Baba Mohammed Gidado, commended the project implementation in the State opining that it has positively impacted primary healthcare delivery services.

The CAB Chairman reassured that the traditional institution will continue to support the implementation of the project for the good of the people of the State especially women and children.

He also stated that the meeting will review past performance of the project in order to further strategies to ensure that the objectives of the project were achieved.

The meeting was attended by Madakin Bauchi (Hakimin Ganjuwa), Baba Mohammed Gidado; Danjikan Bauchi (Hakimin Miri), Hussaini Abubakar; Sarkin Miya; Malam Abdullahi Muazu (Deputy Chairman, Bauchi Local Government), Dr Rilwani Mohd (Executive Chairman, Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board) and other esteemed members of the Community Advisory Board.

The theme is Encouraging Pregnant women to attend antenatal and enrol on CHAMPS pregnancy surveillance during first trimester and manage rumour that may emerge from the community related to the project.