The Adamawa government in collaboration with the European Union (EU) has trained 1,385 frontline health workers to strengthen reproductive and adolescent health access in the state.
Mr Oluseyi Olusunde, the Health Officer, United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF)) Bauchi Field Office, made this known in Yola at a news conference on the successes of the EU- Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (SARAH) initiative on Friday.
Olusunde said the initiative was funded by the EU and implemented by the Adamawa government with support from UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
“The initiative has strengthened the capacity of 226 community structures such as Mama 2 Mama groups and Fathers for Good Health.
“People are empowered with knowledge on essential health services, benefits of exclusive breastfeeding and dangers of drug abuse across communities in the state.
“Community engagement and access to essential health services have been enhanced, contributing positively to improved maternal, child and adolescent health in the state,” he said.
Olosunde said that the successes were recorded in two years within the four years of the initiative.
“The initiative also encouraged pregnant women to deliver in health care facilities which has reduced mortality rates from home birth–delivery complications.
“112 adolescents have been encouraged to attend the state’s College of Nursing in collaboration with UNFPA.
“The initiative also trained other health officials on Gender Based Violence (GBV) case management,” he said.