The Government of Canada, in collaboration with UNICEF and the governments of Kebbi, Kaduna, and Bauchi States, has launched a $10.7 million USD 15 million Canadian American Dollars in a five-year health initiative aimed at enhancing sexual and reproductive health, nutrition, and primary healthcare services for women, adolescents, and children in northern Nigeria.
The programme, which targets over 2.6 million beneficiaries, will be implemented through Primary Health Centres (PHCs) with technical support from UNICEF and direct oversight by the respective state governments.
The initiative aims to address critical health challenges, including adolescent pregnancy, malnutrition, anaemia, and early marriage.
Speaking at a 2days stakeholders’ engagement in Birnin Kebbi, Chief of Field Office for UNICEF Sokoto, Mr. Michael Juma, emphasized the urgency of the intervention, citing alarming health statistics in Kebbi State on Adolescent birth rate: 135 births per 1,000 live births (national average: 70), Anaemia in women of reproductive age: 60.5%, Anaemia in children under five: 80.8%, Stunting rate among children: 60–61%, Early marriage prevalence: 80–89.5%
“These indicators demand a paradigm shift in how we deliver healthcare in the 21st century,” Juma said.
“The focus is on impactful health delivery through coordinated structures, where no child is left behind. We aim for universal health coverage with equitable and quality services.”
Juma also commended Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris for prioritizing health system improvements, including the recruitment of 500 professional health workers and the renovation of 14 major health facilities.
UNICEF Health Manager Mr. Martin Dohlsten confirmed that Kebbi, Kaduna, and Bauchi were strategically selected for their critical need and readiness to implement the programme. He emphasized that media organizations would be engaged to ensure widespread dissemination and transparency.
Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Yunusa Musa Ismail, welcomed the intervention and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to full implementation.
Dr Yunusa highlighted that they remain grateful to the Canadian government and UNICEF for this laudable initiative highlighting Kebbi’s readiness to support and promote healthcare at all levels.
The Commissioner highlighted the state’s ongoing healthcare reforms, including extensive health worker training and plans to revitalize 191 additional PHCs before the end of the year.
He urged stakeholders to carefully study and adhere to the programme’s objectives to maximize impact.
Permanent Secretary, Dr. Shehu Nuhu KoKo, noted that the administration has made primary healthcare and human resource development a top priority, emphasizing that the initiative reflects Kebbi’s resolve to build a more inclusive and resilient health system.
The health intervention marks a significant step forward in reducing maternal and child mortality and improving the overall well-being of vulnerable populations in the three beneficiary states.
