Kebbi Joins $10.7M Global Project to Boost Health, Nutrition for Women, Children
By Abdullahi Tukur, Kebbi
Kebbi State has been selected as one of three Nigerian states to benefit from a transformative five-year health and nutrition project funded with $10.7 million by Global Affairs Canada, in partnership with UNICEF.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the health and nutrition of women, adolescents, and children, also places a strong focus on improving sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) across participating states, which include Kebbi, Kaduna, and Bauchi.
During a two-day engagement meeting held in Birnin Kebbi, the Chief of the UNICEF Field Office in Sokoto, Mr Michael Juma, explained that the project’s launch was to establish a coordinated structure and collaborative implementation strategies. He noted that it would align with existing programmes while developing work plans for 2025, including a robust monitoring and evaluation framework.
“We are here to provide a full overview of the initiative, map out strategic alignments, and build a coordinated roadmap for successful implementation,” Juma said.
Also speaking, Martins Dolhsten, Health Manager for the Global Affairs Canada Initiative, reaffirmed the commitment of the Canadian government to improving healthcare delivery through sustained investment and long-term support.
Kebbi State Commissioner for Health, Comrade Yunusa Ismail, expressed gratitude for the inclusion of Kebbi in the programme and highlighted the state’s ongoing efforts to ensure accessible healthcare for all. He assured stakeholders of the government’s continued dedication to strengthening the health sector.
“The state has already made strides in delivering healthcare to its citizens, and this partnership will further reinforce our resolve,” Ismail said. He also urged participants to be meticulous and deliberate in formulating the action plan to ensure maximum impact.
The meeting gathered key stakeholders from various sectors, including the ministries of Health, Information, Budget and Economic Planning, civil society organisations, and media representatives, to foster inclusive planning and accountability.
This landmark project is expected to not only bolster Kebbi’s healthcare infrastructure but also create a ripple effect that will improve the overall well-being of vulnerable populations across the state.
