The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, has stepped up interventions across Nigeria aimed at improving the wellbeing of children, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-affected communities.
This was highlighted during an overview of UNICEF’s ongoing programmes, where the agency reaffirmed its commitment to supporting government efforts in strengthening critical sectors.
In the health sector, UNICEF is expanding immunization campaigns against diseases such as polio and measles, while also strengthening primary healthcare services and improving vaccine storage systems.
The agency is equally providing support to internally displaced persons and underserved populations to ensure access to basic healthcare.
On water, sanitation and hygiene, UNICEF says it is increasing access to safe drinking water through the rehabilitation and construction of water facilities in communities, schools, and health centres.
Efforts are also being intensified to promote handwashing and end open defecation, especially in areas prone to cholera outbreaks.
In the education sector, UNICEF is working with relevant authorities to improve access and quality of learning, with special focus on out-of-school children, girls, and those affected by insecurity.
The interventions include teacher training, provision of learning materials, and the creation of flexible learning opportunities.
On nutrition, the agency is scaling up programmes to address severe acute malnutrition among children under five, while promoting exclusive breastfeeding and improved feeding practices.
UNICEF is also strengthening child protection systems to tackle issues such as violence, abuse, and harmful practices, including child marriage, while expanding birth registration services.
At the policy level, the agency is supporting efforts to reduce child poverty through improved social protection systems, including cash transfer programmes and better public financing for children.
UNICEF says the interventions are designed to not only address immediate needs but also build resilient systems for sustainable development.
It called for sustained collaboration and investment to ensure a better future for Nigerian children.
