UNICEF Urges Kano State to Boost Rural Healthcare Workforce for 24/7 Medical Services

The United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Kano State Government to expand investments in rural healthcare staffing, in order to ensure 24-hour medical services in underserved communities.

The call was made by Rahama Farah, Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Kano, during the launch of the 2025 First Round of Maternal and Newborn Child Health Week (MNCHW) at Birji Primary Health Centre in Madobi Local Government Area.

“Kano has demonstrated commendable leadership in health and nutrition. However, to truly meet the needs of rural populations, there’s an urgent need to grow the health workforce to provide continuous care,” Farah stated.

With a population exceeding 17 million, including 3.5 million children under five and nearly 900,000 pregnant women, Farah noted that Kano State plays a pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s maternal and child health outcomes.

He emphasized the importance of biannual MNCH weeks, which provide essential health services such as:

• Routine childhood immunizations

• Vitamin A supplementation

• Deworming treatments

• Malaria prevention

• Micronutrient support for pregnant women

UNICEF reports that 51.9% of children in Kano are stunted, and over 10% are wasted—signs of serious malnutrition that need urgent attention.

 Farah encouraged Kano State to:

• Conduct a second round of MNCH Week in December 2025

• Procure adequate deworming tablets for children aged 12–59 months

• Extend paid maternity leave to support exclusive breastfeeding

He revealed that, in celebration of MNCH Week, UNICEF has provided enough vitamin A and multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) to reach over 2.6 million children and 500,000 pregnant women across Kano.

“Our collaboration with Kano will continue to focus on enhancing the health and nutrition of mothers and children,” he said.

Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Deputy Governor Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo outlined the state’s comprehensive approach during MNCH Week across all 44 LGAs:

• Child immunizations

• Distribution of mosquito nets for pregnant women

• Deworming tablets

• Antenatal care and birth registration

He also announced the release of ₦140 million for warehousing insecticide-treated nets and the rollout of seasonal malaria chemotherapy.

“The state will provide 6,000 delivery packs, 500 cesarean kits, and 25,000 to 30,000 doses of antenatal medication monthly to protect expectant mothers from anemia and malaria,” Gwarzo confirmed.