By Khadija Kubau
The Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Kaduna State Chapter, has partnered with the UNICEF Field Office in Kaduna to strengthen advocacy on immunisation, nutrition, personal hygiene and child protection across the state.
The partnership was announced during a courtesy visit by NAWOJ executives to the UNICEF Field Office in Kaduna.
In her welcome address, the Chief of Field Office, Kaduna, Gerida Birukila, appreciated journalists for their extensive reportage on issues affecting women and children.
She noted that the Kaduna Field Office oversees four states – Kaduna, Nasarawa, Kwara and Niger State.
Dr. Birukila expressed concern that Kaduna currently has the highest number of zero-dose children – those who have not received any routine immunisation – among the states in the zone.
She stressed the need for intensified media advocacy and community engagement to improve immunisation uptake and safeguard children’s health.
A UNICEF WASH specialist, Mrs. Theresa Pamma highlighted key interventions in nutrition, open defecation eradication, menstrual hygiene and personal hygiene, emphasizing the role of awareness creation in improving child and maternal health outcomes.
Also speaking, Dr. Idris Baba underscored practical strategies to improve immunisation coverage, including sustained community sensitisation and accurate information dissemination.
He expressed delight at receiving NAWOJ members and commended the association’s interest in advancing child-focused advocacy.
Earlier, the NAWOJ Chairperson, Sahura Jibril Maidoki, gave a brief history of the association and outlined the purpose of the visit.
She explained that NAWOJ sought collaboration with UNICEF because both organisations share common objectives in promoting the rights and welfare of women and children, including addressing the challenges of out-of-school children.
The Head of the Communication Desk, Hadiza Sani, further identified areas of collaboration, particularly in amplifying children’s voices, promoting responsible reporting on child-related issues, and supporting public enlightenment campaigns on immunisation and hygiene practices.
Both organisations expressed commitment to sustained partnership aimed at improving the wellbeing of women and children across Kaduna State.
