Writing by KHADIJAH ALIYU; Editing by BASIRAT MEMUDU
The United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEF, says only about 50 percent of pregnant women receive care from qualified health providers, while just 36 percent deliver with the assistance of skilled birth attendants.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, Judith Leveillee, disclosed this during a state-level training on the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) held in Kano.
She described the situation as alarming, noting that urgent intervention is required across 18 Local Government Areas, covering more than 200 wards.
According to her, the state also records an under-five mortality rate of 158 deaths per 1,000 live births, a figure she said poses a significant public health challenge that demands coordinated and sustained action.
Leveillee, however, commended the efforts of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Kano State Government for aligning with national health priorities to address the issue.
She assured that UNICEF would continue to support the implementation of the MAMII initiative and the Community-Based Health Worker programme across the targeted areas.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Family Health, Aliyu Zubair Maidutse, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to delivering quality, people-centered healthcare services.
He expressed confidence that the adoption of the MAMII approach would enhance efficiency and improve service delivery across primary healthcare facilities.
Also speaking, the Director of Community Health Services at NPHCDA, Nana Sanda Abubakar, commended the initiative and emphasized the need for strong collaboration, capacity building, and strategic coordination to ensure its success.
