By MUHAMMED DANBABA
Programme Significantly Reduces Child Mortality and Boosts Immunization Coverage
Katsina, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and GAVI, the global vaccine alliance, have officially handed over a primary healthcare project worth $8,539,995 to the Katsina State government. The initiative, co-funded by UNICEF, GAVI, and the Katsina government, was designed to improve maternal and child health by strengthening primary healthcare systems and routine immunization services.
Governor Pledges to Sustain Healthcare Gains
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Government House, Katsina, Governor Dikko Radda reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving healthcare accessibility for citizens.
“The partnership has strengthened our immunization programme, enhanced the capacity of our health workers, and ensured that hard-to-reach communities receive essential health services,” Radda stated.
He further highlighted that the project has improved the functionality of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, making quality healthcare more accessible to residents.
Major Achievements of the Healthcare Programme
1. Child Mortality Rate Reduced
According to UNICEF’s Kano Field Office Head, Mr. Rahama Farah, the three-year partnership has significantly lowered the under-5 mortality rate in Katsina State—from 188 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to 105 in 2024.
2. Increased Vaccination Coverage
The programme also boosted Penta3 vaccination rates from 33.7% in 2018 to 53.3% in 2023, despite security challenges in Katsina State.
3. Strengthened Primary Healthcare Systems
The initiative improved service delivery, human resources, supply chain management, health information systems, and governance across the state.
Funding Breakdown and Implementation
The GAVI PHC MoU Programme allocated $7,942,328, while the Katsina State government co-financed an additional $597,667. The Katsina State Primary Health Care Agency led the implementation, with local government authorities, traditional, and religious leaders overseeing efforts at the grassroots level.
UNICEF Urges Continuous Investment in Healthcare
While celebrating the project’s successes, UNICEF emphasized the need for sustained investment in primary healthcare and routine immunization to maintain progress.
“We must ensure every child is vaccinated, protected against polio, and maternal mortality is reduced,” Farah stated.
He reiterated UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Katsina State government in improving child and maternal health outcomes.
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