The suspension of activities by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has disrupted the distribution of family planning commodities across Bauchi State, resulting in stock shortages at primary healthcare facilities. The Executive Chairman of the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Development Board, Rilwanu Mohammed, raised concerns over the situation, noting that the development has hindered access to essential reproductive health services despite increasing demand at the community level.
Mohammed made this known during an advocacy visit by members of the civil society organisation, Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD), on Thursday in Bauchi. He explained that USAID had previously handled last-mile distribution of family planning supplies to healthcare facilities, ensuring seamless access. However, with the suspension of their activities, the state is now struggling to meet the growing need for contraceptive services.
He further revealed that the Bauchi State government has stepped in to mitigate the impact by allocating ₦50 million as counterpart funding for the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to sustain the supply of family planning commodities. He assured that the board is actively engaging stakeholders to ensure these supplies reach all designated health facilities without diversion.
Expressing concern over the USAID suspension, which stemmed from a policy decision by U.S. President Donald Trump, Mohammed lamented its negative consequences on family planning services, stressing that reliable access to these commodities is crucial for maternal and child health.
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He also commended J4PD for its ongoing advocacy on family planning, immunisation, and other maternal and child health services. In response, Bashir Hassan, Knowledge and Communication Specialist at J4PD, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting awareness campaigns. He emphasised that strengthening healthcare access would contribute to economic development in Bauchi State.
The Journalists for Public Health and Development Initiative (J4PD) is a collective of experienced journalists from print, broadcast, and online media dedicated to reporting on public health, water, sanitation, hygiene (WASH), basic education, environment, and other developmental issues. Their approach emphasizes solution-based journalism to advocate for and influence positive change.
Based in Bauchi, Nigeria, J4PD collaborates with organizations such as the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to enhance the visibility of health initiatives in regions like Bauchi State
