IHP-USAID panic over increase of anemia cases in pregnant women

The Integrated Health Project (IHP)funded by USAID in Bauchi State has expressed worries over the recorded cases of anemia in pregnant women coming to the primary health facilities.

Dr Siaka Alhassan, Director, IHP-USAID, made the disclosure on Tuesday during the first quarter "Reflect and Pause" review meeting held in Bauchi.

Supreme reports that the meeting was the first in the IHP-USAID 2022 fiscal year.

The state's Director said that the records indicated that there was improvement in Antenatal clinic (ANC) attendance, uptake of family planning and treatment of malaria.

Alhassan also revealed that Postpartum hemorrhage was another indicator for maternal mortality in the state.

"Some pregnant women attend antenatal clinics but they still come up with anemia.

"This is the issue IHP will have to find out from the pregnant women if they are actually using their drugs as prescribed or not," he said.

According to him, the meeting was also aimed at discussing issues, challenges, developing a way forward and ideas on the health sector in the state.

He, however said that the IHP-USAID would continue to support the Bauchi state government in the health sector.

Dr Robinson Yusuf, Director Hospital Services, Bauchi State Hospital Management Board, said that the quality of Medicare at the primary health centers has been prioritised by the present administration.

Yusuf appreciated IHP-USAID for the enormous contributions towards strengthening the health system in the state.

Supreme also reports that IHP-USAID is supporting the Bauchi state government in strengthening the healthcare systems in areas of Reproductive, Maternal Newborn, Child Health, Nutrition and Malaria(RMNCH+NM).