Misau Council Chairman Reaffirms Commitment to UNICEF’s ‘Fathers for Good Health’ Initiative.

By Uzairu Dauda Bunga:

The Chairman of Misau Local Government Area (LGA), Hon. Salisu Hussaini Hardawa, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the Fathers for Good Health Initiative in partnership with UNICEF.

Hon. Hardawa noted that the health sector in Misau is witnessing remarkable improvements due to various interventions by UNICEF.

He pledged to continue giving the health sector top priority, recognizing its vital role in driving economic and community development in the area.

He further stated that the local government is working closely with traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, women’s groups, and youth groups to improve maternal and child health and reduce mortality rates.

On nutrition financing, the chairman assured that the LGA will soon roll out comprehensive strategies to combat malnutrition among children and vulnerable groups.

Highlighting recent support, Hon. Hardawa revealed that the LGA provided financial assistance of ₦5,000 each to 160 members of Fathers for Good Health, funded monitoring activities across all communities, repaired power generators, and purchased a refrigerator for safe vaccine storage.

He added that the efforts of Fathers for Good Health have significantly reduced the number of zero-dose children in the area and pledged continued support for their activities, including plans to provide mobility to ease transportation challenges for field workers.

In his remarks, the Director of Primary Healthcare for Misau LGA, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi Mai Kano, listed other notable achievements through UNICEF’s intervention. These include the introduction of Fathers for Good Health, Mama2Mama peer support groups, Community Health Influencers and Promoters Services (CHIPS), and capacity building for health workers.

A polio survivor, Mallam Balarabe Musa Misau, who is also a lecturer at A.D. Rufa’i College of Islamic Studies and an active member of Fathers for Good Health, shared his motivation for volunteering with the initiative.

He said his personal experience as a polio survivor drives him to serve as a living example of resilience.

Musa Misau, who holds a master’s degree from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), expressed concern over the sight of young children and other polio survivors begging on the streets.

He urged parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against preventable diseases to build a healthier, more productive society.