Bauchi stakeholders advocate early ANC, tackle rumours
By Ahmed Ahmed
Stakeholders in Bauchi State have urged communities to promote early Antenatal Care (ANC) and dismiss rumours discouraging pregnant women from seeking vital medical services.
The call was made at the weekend during the quarterly meeting of the Community Advisory Board (CAB) of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) held on Saturday at the College of Medical Sciences, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
The meeting, themed “Encouraging Pregnant Women to Attend Antenatal and Enrol on CHAMPS Pregnancy Surveillance During First Trimester and Manage Rumours Related to the Project,” focused on strategies to improve maternal and child health.
Dr. Mohammed Baba-Gidado, District Head of Ganjuwa, stressed the need for continuous sensitisation to highlight the benefits of early ANC and CHAMPS enrollment.
He urged communities to disregard harmful rumours hindering women’s access to healthcare.
CHAMPS Community Engagement Lead, Dr. Jamilu Yaya, warned that misinformation causes mistrust, wasted resources, and stigma.
He recommended transparency, fact-checking, and involvement of community leaders to counter false narratives.
Dr. Lamara Dattijo, represented by Dr. Abubakar Umar, reaffirmed CHAMPS’ commitment to reducing child mortality through research, transparency, and collaboration with local communities.
Traditional rulers, health experts, and community representatives attended the meeting, pledging to work together to improve maternal and child health in Bauchi State.
participants at the Community Advisory Board CAB quarterly meeting in Bauchi
