The Kebbi State Government has partnered with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) to launch a comprehensive primary healthcare initiative aimed at enhancing community health systems and services across the state.
The launch was announced by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Yunusa Musa-Ismail, during a two-day engagement session in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. The event was organised under a UNICEF programme, funded by GAC, which focuses on expanding access to gender-responsive services in sexual and reproductive health, as well as maternal, newborn, child health, and nutrition.
Dr Musa-Ismail acknowledged GAC’s support and expressed gratitude for Kebbi being selected as one of only three Nigerian states to benefit from the initiative.
“We will do everything humanly possible to support and promote healthcare services at all levels,” the Commissioner said.
He also highlighted the state’s recent investments in healthcare, noting that 14 health centres were equipped last year and that 500 newly recruited health professionals are set to receive training for improved service delivery. He reiterated the government’s strong backing for the project and mentioned that structured templates will be developed to guide consistent and effective implementation.
The Commissioner urged all participants to engage actively with the strategic plan and ensure it is followed rigorously to achieve maximum impact.
Also speaking at the event, Mr Michael Juma, Chief of UNICEF’s Sokoto Field Office, underscored the critical need for reform in Kebbi’s healthcare delivery in response to troubling health statistics.
“Malnutrition remains high, as does the prevalence of early marriage,” Juma noted.
“Healthcare delivery in the 21st century requires a paradigm shift.”
He explained that the programme is expected to reach over 2.6 million women and children in Kebbi, Bauchi, and Kaduna states. The initiative aims to address challenges such as adolescent pregnancy, malnutrition, and anaemia, while empowering women and young people to assert their health rights and fostering greater accountability in healthcare services.
Juma commended Kebbi State’s dedication to the project, calling it a decisive move towards achieving inclusive, quality healthcare for its residents.