Stakeholders in Bauchi State have raised concerns over the withdrawal of funding from major international agencies, warning that the move could undermine family planning services and threaten maternal and child health.
Speaking at a stakeholders’ engagement meeting organized by the Bauchi State Government in collaboration with The Challenge Initiative (TCI) Nigeria, the Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Development Board, Dr. Rilwanu Mohammed, described the situation as alarming.
He warned that reduced financial support from agencies such as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) could severely impact access to reproductive health services.
Mr. Yakubu Abubakar, a consultant with TCI, stressed the need to expand family planning programs, particularly in rural communities where access remains limited.
He called on the government to ensure the affordability and availability of family planning commodities to prevent setbacks in reproductive health efforts.
The meeting brought together health experts, government officials, and advocacy groups, all of whom urged increased local investment in family planning initiatives.
They emphasized that ensuring sustainable access to contraceptives and reproductive health education is crucial for reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in Bauchi State.
