By Ahmed Ahmed
The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program under the College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), has trained Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) and Community Resource Groups (CRGs) to combat the high rate of child mortality, in Bauchi State.
Our Correspondent reports said that the training, which focused on mortality surveillance and prevention strategies, drew 40 participants from two local government areas of Bauchi and Ganjuwa.
Dr. Mohammed Farug, Chief Investigator of CHAMPS in Bauchi State stated this at one-day session, held in Bauchi on Thursday
He said the training is aimed at equipping community groups with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle under-5 child mortality in their communities.
Dr Farug expressed concern over the alarming rate of child deaths in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in northern Nigeria and Bauchi State.
“This high rate of child mortality pushed us to build the capacity of these CBOs and CRGs.
They are vital in community surveillance and intervention efforts. We will continue our engagement with them to reduce child mortality rates in the state,” Dr. Farug stated.
Dr. Jamilu Yaya, CHAMPS’ Lead for Community Engagement, said CHAMPS, a global surveillance initiative led by the Emory Global Health Institute, gathers data on causes of child deaths in high-mortality regions to inform local health strategies and improve outcomes.
“The program operates through community involvement, improved healthcare access, maternal and newborn care, immunizations, and infection control measures.
Dr. Yaya highlighted the importance of partnerships between researchers, healthcare providers, and community members in sustaining progress in child health.
Also speaking, Mr. Ibrahim Ladan from a civil society organization emphasized the need for improved healthcare access, especially antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendance, and emergency obstetrical services. He called for stronger community-based interventions.
Communication expert Mr. Nura Faggo underscored the importance of community mobilization and sensitization techniques. “Raising awareness about preventable diseases and promoting healthy behaviors is key to reducing child mortality.
“Community organizations must drive this effort through effective mobilization strategies,” he added.
A participant, Mrs Mairo Hassan said the training is expected to bolster community-level health surveillance and drive grassroots efforts in reducing preventable child deaths across Bauchi State.
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