The Government of Canada, through its Global Affairs Canada Initiative in Nigeria, has committed 15 million Canadian dollars (approximately $10.7 million USD) to combat malnutrition and improve maternal and child health in Kebbi, Kaduna, and Bauchi States.
The initiative aims to strengthen Gender-Responsive Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights and Nutrition Services, with a focus on women, adolescent girls, and children. The programme, which will run for five years, is being supported technically by UNICEF, while implementation will be carried out by the state governments through Primary Health Centres.
At a two-day training workshop held in Birnin Kebbi, the UNICEF Chief Field Officer in Sokoto, Mr. Michael Juma, emphasized the goal of achieving universal health coverage, ensuring no child is left behind. He highlighted the importance of establishing functional coordination structures to ensure impactful health delivery.
Juma also commended Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State for his commitment to healthcare, noting his administration’s recruitment of 500 health professionals and investment in revitalizing health facilities across the state.
Canadian Health Manager and workshop facilitator, Mr. Martin Dohlsten, reiterated that Kebbi, Kaduna, and Bauchi were selected as pilot states for the intervention, aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Yunusa Isma’il, expressed gratitude to the Canadian Government for its significant support, reaffirming the state’s dedication to providing accessible and affordable healthcare. He also highlighted that 14 major health facilities were recently renovated and that more investments are underway.
Supporting this, the Permanent Secretary of the Health Ministry, Dr. Shehu Nuhu Koko, noted that 191 additional Primary Health Centres (PHCs) will undergo rehabilitation before the end of the year. He emphasized that primary healthcare and human resource development remain top priorities for the Idris-led administration.
The workshop, which brought together health professionals and media practitioners at Azbir Hotels, Birnin Kebbi, is expected to enhance the capacity of health workers in implementing the programme effectively.
