By Sahel Reporters, Bauchi
In its continued effort to strengthen the health supply chain and improve maternal and child nutrition outcomes, the Bauchi State Drugs and Medical Consumables Management Agency (DMMA), with technical and financial support from Nutrition International (NI), successfully conducted a four-day workshop on Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) and Essential Medicines quantification, forecasting, and supply planning for the period 2025–2027.
The workshop, held from Monday 13th to Friday 17th October 2025, took place in two phases — a two-day preparatory meeting at Oricon Suites, Azare from 13th–14th October, followed by the main quantification review workshop at Sulgad Majestic Hotel, Bauchi from 16th–17th October 2025.
The objective of the exercise was to build assumptions for MMS quantification, develop a forecast output for Bauchi State for 2025–2027, determine commodity and funding requirements, and integrate MMS into the State’s Essential Medicines Quantification. The process also aimed to produce a comprehensive technical report that would serve as a tool for advocacy, planning, and resource mobilization for maternal health and nutrition programs in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Sani Muhammad Dambam, welcomed participants and expressed appreciation to Nutrition International for their continued partnership. He noted that the integration of MMS into essential medicines planning aligns with the vision of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed (Kauran Bauchi), to build a vibrant, equitable, and sustainable healthcare system.
Dr. Dambam commended the technical collaboration that has resulted in data-driven planning, emphasizing that “this partnership will go a long way in improving maternal nutrition and ensuring that women in Bauchi State have access to essential supplements and quality healthcare.”
Also addressing participants, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of DMMA, Pharm. Abdulkadir Ahmed, encouraged the participants to give their utmost commitment to the exercise, describing it as “a critical step in strengthening the State’s capacity to conduct evidence-based quantification and supply planning for essential health commodities.”
He further highlighted that the workshop would equip participants with the skills needed to replicate similar quantification exercises across other health programs in the state.
The workshop brought together a cross-section of health professionals and program officers, including Nutrition Focal Persons from all 20 LGAs, Essential Drugs and Logistics Officers, Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Officers, HMIS/DHIS2 officers, Directors of Pharmaceutical Services, and representatives from various Health MDAs.
Speaking on behalf of Nutrition International’s Country Director, Dr. Osita Okonkwo, the Project Technical Coordinator, Ms. Nkechinyere Adoniyi, commended Bauchi State for its proactive leadership and commitment to improving nutrition outcomes.
“This journey began three years ago with an implementation research in Dass, Ganjuwa, and Giade LGAs. Today, we are proud that Nigeria has approved the national scale-up of MMS, and Nutrition International is honored to work hand in hand with Bauchi State to expand this intervention across all 20 LGAs,” she stated.
She reaffirmed Nutrition International’s support for the Bauchi State Government in ensuring that women of reproductive age receive adequate micronutrient supplementation, which is essential for healthy pregnancies and child development.
At the end of the workshop, participants successfully reviewed and updated the 2025–2027 Essential Medicines Quantification output, onboarded Multiple Micronutrient Supplementation (MMS) into the quantification process, and developed a three-year forecast and funding plan to guide procurement and resource mobilization.
The technical report produced from the exercise will serve as a key advocacy document for government and development partners to ensure sustainable financing and uninterrupted supply of MMS and other essential health commodities in Bauchi State.
