the Governor of Kaduna StateUba Sani has assured that the state government has implemented plans to address malnutrition and infant and maternal mortality in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr Sani was speaking when a delegation from the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF) paid a courtesy visit to Sir Kashim Ibrahim House Kaduna. He thanked the delegation for their condolences to the people of the state over the recent drone accident in the Tudun Biri community, Igabi Local Government Area.
Sani also praised UNICEF for its many proactive healthcare interventions, especially efforts to eradicate maternal and child mortality rates, and infectious diseases and improve routine immunization across the state.
The governor reiterated the state government’s commitment to partner with UNICEF to overcome all identified challenges and save the lives of vulnerable and neglected people, especially in rural communities.
“Kaduna State, under my leadership, recognizes that primary healthcare is key because accessible healthcare is very important. Recently, while deliberating on the budget, we were able to allocate a huge amount of money towards healthcare provision in our state as only a healthy society can achieve sustainable development,” said Mr Sani.
It was also announced during the meeting that over the next year, the problem of malnutrition would be a thing of the past as the state government would rely on the expertise of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, and the Secretary to the State Government. , Dr. Abdulkadir Mayere, both experienced public health experts to achieve the goal.
On the quagmire of out-of-school children, Governor Sani said: “We have our data and statistics; if we do not eradicate poverty or reduce the level of poverty in our rural areas; We will never be able to truly address the issue of out-of-school children because here in Kaduna primary and secondary education is free.”
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, UNICEF Nigeria Deputy Representative Rownak Khan said, “More than half of children born in the state do not receive birth certificates, making the immunization process difficult. In addition, he expressed concern about the significant rate of malnutrition among children, which affects approximately 60% of the population.
Khan, however, expressed optimism about the political will and assurances given by Governor Uba Sani to work closely with UNICEF to achieve its objectives in the 23 local government areas of the state.