By
Muhammad Jamil Abubakar
In Gombe State, a significant transformation is underway in the primary health care system, with far reaching benefits for women and children.
The initiative, supported by UNICEF and GAVI through the Mama2Mama program, has become a beacon of hope, particularly in combating health challenges exacerbated by vaccine misconceptions and economic barriers.
The Mama2Mama initiative is a grassroots program that focuses on providing support, resources, and community for mothers and caregivers, often in underserved communities.
The initiative emphasizes peer-to-peer support, where experienced mothers help new or expectant mothers navigate the challenges of parenthood.
The support may include providing essential items, emotional support, educational workshops, and guidance on maternal and child health.
It aims to build stronger, more resilient communities by empowering mothers with the resources they need to thrive.
In a visits to Malam Sidi Primary Health Care Centre, in Kwami Local Government Area Of Gombe State, a lot of progress has been made regarding the health of women and children through Mama2Mama initiatives supported by UNICEF and GAVI.
Hafsat Abubakar, a single mother of a seven-month-old daughter, shared how the Mama2Mama initiative helped ensure the safe delivery of her child and her subsequent routine immunizations.
“Before Mama2Mama, I had many doubts about vaccines, just like many people in our community,” Hafsat said.
“But the program enlightened me about their importance, and I can see the benefits in my daughter’s health.”
Through peer education and support provided by trained health workers, Hafsat learned not only about vaccines but also about essential practices for maintaining her child’s health.
For Amina Adamu, the Mama2Mama initiative came as a lifeline after years of loss and struggle.
A mother of 14 children, Amina had tragically lost ten of them due to malnutrition and a lack of postnatal care.
“I didn’t have enough money to visit the primary health care center regularly, and my husband wasn’t supportive,” she explained.
However, after coming into contact with Mama2Mama, Amina started visiting the Malam Sidi Primary Health Care Centre frequently.
With support from UNICEF and GAVI, she and her four surviving children now receive proper health care, and her youngest child is on a steady path to recovery.
Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant challenge in Northern Nigeria, fueled by misconceptions and misinformation about immunization.
Many communities view vaccines with suspicion due to cultural beliefs and myths that have spread over time.
These misconceptions, coupled with economic barriers, have led to low immunization coverage, resulting in preventable diseases taking a toll on children’s health.
Initiatives like Mama2Mama are vital in dispelling these myths by creating trust through local mothers who advocate for vaccination and educate their peers about its benefits.
At the heart of these efforts is the Malam Sidi Primary Health Care Centre, where Malam Idris, the acting facility manager, has witnessed firsthand the transformation made possible by the collaboration between the state government, UNICEF, and GAVI.
“Our facility has seen a significant increase in the number of pregnant women and nursing mothers coming for services,” he said.
“They are not just coming for immunizations; we are also teaching them how to prepare locally sourced nutrient-rich foods to improve their children’s nutrition.”
Malam Idris noted that integrating nutritional education with regular health check-ups is critical to addressing child malnutrition in the area.
The collaboration provides families with supplements and therapeutic foods for children in need, along with training health workers to counsel mothers on proper breastfeeding and infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices.
Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office, emphasized the holistic approach being taken to improve child and maternal health.
“UNICEF, GAVI, and the state government are working together to provide a comprehensive support system for women and children,” she said.
“However, there is more room for improvement. With continuous support from the state government and our technical assistance, we can make an even bigger impact on the community.”
Dr. Rafique highlighted the integration of nutrition programs with Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives, which aims to reduce the incidence of disease that contributes to malnutrition.
The provision of ready-to-use therapeutic foods, along with training for health workers on counseling mothers, has been instrumental in combating child malnutrition.
The Mama2Mama initiative is more than just a health program; it’s a community movement that empowers women to take charge of their health and that of their children.
Hafsat Abubakar and Amina Adamu’s stories reflect the life-changing potential of a strengthened primary health care system.
Yet, the journey to comprehensive health care for all is far from over.
The continued support from UNICEF, GAVI, and other donors is essential in maintaining and expanding these services.
By addressing the misconceptions about vaccines, tackling malnutrition, and providing access to life-saving health services, Gombe’s primary health care system can continue to serve as a model for other regions.
For many women and children in Gombe, the Mama2Mama initiative represents a second chance at life, health, and hope, a testament to the power of collective action in transforming communities.