The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has collaborated with the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board to fight maternal and child mortality rates in the state.
The Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, UNICEF Nigeria, Ms Judith Leveillee, stated that maternal and child mortality rates need urgent attention in 18 Local Government Areas, comprising over 200 wards in the state.
She stated this during the state Level Training on maternal, neonatal and child mortality reduction innovation and initiative (MAMII) organised by Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board in collaboration with UNICEF.
According to her, the situation indicates that 50 per cent of pregnant women are attended by a skilled provider.
She further stated that, out of these, only 36 per cent of pregnant women delivered by skilled birth attendants.
According to her, under 5 mortality accounts for 158 per 1000 live births in Kano, adding that, “this poses a significant public health challenge that requires urgent coordination and sustainable implementation.”
Ms Judith said, in response to this, “UNICEF appreciates that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Kano State Government have demonstrated strong commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality by aligning with national health priorities.
“With strong collaboration, UNICEF will continue to support the implementation of maternal, neonatal and child mortality reduction innovation and initiative (MAMII) and the Community-based health worker (CBHW) programme across 200 wards in the 18 selected Local Government Areas of the State.”
Speaking at the event, the Director General of KSPHCMB, Prof. Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Family Health, Dr Aliyu Zubair Maidutse, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to delivering high-quality, people-centred healthcare services.
He emphasized that the adoption of the MAMII approach will enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and overall service delivery outcomes within the primary healthcare system.
In her remarks, the Director of Community Health Services, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Nana Sanda Abubakar, commended the initiative and underscored the importance of collaboration, capacity strengthening, and strategic coordination in ensuring successful implementation.
She noted that sustained partnerships remain critical to achieving improved health indices and expanding access to essential services.
The orientation provided a strategic platform for alignment among key stakeholders, enabling shared understanding, coordinated action, and strengthened commitment towards accelerating MAMII service delivery across the state.
The Board and its partners reiterated their resolve to sustain innovative approaches that will drive accountability, enhance service quality, and ultimately improve health outcomes for all.
Our Correspondent reports that the orientation is focused on equipping stakeholders with practical knowledge on the MAMII client-centred case management approach, guiding the effective activation of MAMII services, and fostering joint planning for seamless implementation.
