The United Nations Children’s Fund has raised concern that Kano State bears one of the highest burdens of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, particularly across 18 local government areas.
Speaking at a state-level training on maternal, neonatal, and child mortality reduction in Kano, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, Judith Leveillee, said the situation poses a major public health challenge.
She revealed that only about 50 per cent of pregnant women are attended by skilled health providers, while just 36 per cent deliver with skilled birth attendants.
According to her, neonatal deaths account for 59 per cent, while under-five mortality remains significantly high in the state.
Leveillee stressed that the figures highlight the urgent need for coordinated and sustainable healthcare interventions to address the crisis.
She noted that UNICEF is working with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Kano State Government to implement the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) across affected communities.
The Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, represented by Dr. Aliyu Zubair Maidutse, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery.
Also speaking, Dr. Nana Sanda Abubakar of NPHCDA emphasised the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and strategic coordination in improving health outcomes.
Stakeholders agreed that sustained partnerships and targeted interventions are critical to reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Kano State.
By Ahmad Sorondink
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