By DAYO ADESULU
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the governments of Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States to commit $15 million in matching grants to improve the living conditions of millions of residents.
UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate, made the appeal during a press briefing in Gusau on Wednesday after engaging stakeholders at Gidanwada Model Primary School in Bungudu Local Government Area, Zamfara State.
Pressing Concerns
Munduate expressed concern over alarming rates of malnutrition and open defecation in the region, warning of the dire consequences these challenges pose to public health and socioeconomic development.
- Malnutrition Crisis: Northern Nigeria faces a staggering burden of malnourished children, with at least 5.5 million suffering from severe acute malnutrition.
- Health Risks from Open Defecation: An estimated 40 million Nigerians still practice open defecation, a leading cause of preventable diseases and a potential trigger for the resurgence of the polio epidemic.
“These issues not only affect children’s survival and development but also threaten the overall progress of the communities,” Munduate stated.
UNICEF’s Contributions and Recommendations
UNICEF has collaborated with the Federal and Zamfara State Governments to make 50 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) fully operational in the region. However, sustaining these facilities and addressing the underlying challenges require stronger government commitment and partnerships.
Munduate urged the governors of the three states to intensify efforts by mobilizing resources and fostering collaboration among local and international stakeholders. She emphasized that access to quality healthcare, education, and sanitation is essential to breaking the cycle of poverty and ensuring a better future for millions of children and their families.
Call to Action
UNICEF believes the $15 million investment will help strengthen healthcare systems, combat malnutrition, reduce open defecation, and improve overall living standards.
“Children and mothers in these states deserve a chance at life. With the right partnerships and funding, we can tackle these issues head-on and bring hope to these communities,” Munduate said.
A Collaborative Path Forward
UNICEF reiterated its readiness to provide technical support while advocating for robust public awareness campaigns to ensure sustainability and community buy-in for the proposed interventions.
