The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Sokoto State Government for approving the State Food and Nutrition Policy as well as pledging N500 million for the procurement of high-impact nutrition supplies.
Mrs. Wafaa Sa’eed, UNICEF’s newly appointed Country Representative in Nigeria, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to Gov. Ahmed Aliyu in Sokoto on Tuesday.
Mrs. Sa’eed, who was on a duty tour of the state, described the government’s commitment to the health sector as commendable, adding that the policy would address the nutrition needs of children across the state.
According to Sa’eed “UNICEF is pleased to stand with your government by matching the state’s contribution 1:1 for nutrition supplies.
“However, we kindly request your support for the timely release of the approved sum so that, together, we can accelerate the delivery of life-saving nutrition supplies for the most vulnerable children,” she said.
Sa’eed stated that UNICEF had long partnered with Sokoto State on critical interventions tackling the most pressing challenges faced by children and families.
“Together, we have improved health and nutrition outcomes, strengthened birth registration, enhanced access to safe drinking water, hygiene and sanitation, and expanded access to quality education through various programmes,” she added.
Sa’eed further disclosed that, to reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare, UNICEF has supported the state with 141,251.47 USD to subsidise health insurance enrollment for 15,000 vulnerable individuals.
She also said the investments would help fast-track progress toward achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and delivering on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3 – Good Health and Well-being.
She praised the Governor for establishing and operationalising the Technical Working Group (TWG) on Out-of-School Children to improve equitable access to education.
Reassuring the state of UNICEF’s continued partnership, Sa’eed said: “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with your government to accelerate progress for children and women across the state.”
Responding on behalf of the governor, Deputy Governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector.
“Our health sector has enjoyed the highest budgetary allocation since our assumption of office to ensure that people have easy access to healthcare services,” he said.
Aliyu also expressed appreciation for UNICEF’s consistent support and assured the agency of sustained collaboration for the smooth implementation of its activities in the state.
Meanwhile, during her visit to the UNICEF Special Newborn Care Unit for sick babies at the Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Sa’eed expressed satisfaction with the equipment available and the dedication of health workers.
She revealed that UNICEF was currently renovating the hospital’s maternity and labour wards to improve maternal and newborn healthcare.
She, however, appealed for the deployment of additional health workers to manage the facility effectively, describing it as a model that could be replicated across Local Government Areas in the state.
