By Uzairu Dauda:
The Chairman of Misau Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Salisu Hussaini Hardawa, has pledged to sustain and expand the Fathers for Good Health Initiative by providing mobility support to ensure health workers can reach every corner of the community.
Hon. Hardawa made this commitment during an interactive session with development journalists in his office, where he commended UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office for launching the initiative. He praised UNICEF’s efforts to strengthen the local health system and tackle the challenge of children missing out on essential vaccinations.
“The health sector in Misau is witnessing remarkable improvements thanks to various interventions by UNICEF,” the chairman said. “We will continue to give this sector top priority because a healthy community is the foundation for economic growth and development.”
He further explained that the LGA is working closely with traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and youth associations to promote maternal and child health and reduce mortality rates.
Addressing malnutrition, Hon. Hardawa announced that the LGA will soon roll out comprehensive strategies to improve nutrition for children and vulnerable groups.
Highlighting recent support, he revealed that the council provided ₦5,000 each to 116 members of Fathers for Good Health, funded monitoring activities across all communities, repaired power generators, and purchased a refrigerator to ensure safe vaccine storage.
“These efforts have significantly reduced the number of zero-dose children in Misau. We will continue to support this initiative, including providing mobility to help our field workers overcome transportation challenges,” he added.
Also speaking, the Director of Primary Healthcare for Misau LGA, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi Mai Kano, highlighted other achievements made possible by UNICEF, including the establishment of Mama2Mama peer support groups, the Community Health Influencers and Promoters Services (CHIPS), and extensive capacity building for health workers.
SeeSharing his personal story, Mallam Balarabe Musa Misau, a polio survivor, lecturer at A.D. Rufa’i College of Islamic Studies, and active member of Fathers for Good Health, described what motivates him to volunteer with the initiative.
“As a polio survivor, I want to be a living example of resilience. It pains me to see young children and fellow survivors begging on the streets. I urge parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases so we can build a healthier and more productive society,” he said.
With renewed commitment and support, Misau LGA aims to make quality healthcare accessible to all, leaving no child behind.