Jigawa State, Nigeria – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reiterated its dedication to enhancing the state’s primary healthcare system, ensuring improved access to essential health services for children, mothers, and youth.
During the official handover ceremony of the GAVI-PHC Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) project in Dutse, Dr. Shyam Sharan-Pathak, UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Health, commended the progress made through the initiative. He emphasized that UNICEF remains committed to expanding routine immunization and other vital primary healthcare (PHC) services across the state.
Dr. Sharan-Pathak lauded the Jigawa State Government for its substantial investment in healthcare, allocating N879.25 million—15.6% of the state’s total budget—to strengthen the sector. He also acknowledged the significant role of GAVI, the Vaccine Alliance, in supporting PHC expansion, improving immunization coverage, and enhancing overall healthcare service delivery.
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Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, represented by Deputy Governor Aminu Usman, expressed profound gratitude to UNICEF and its development partners for their unwavering support in transforming the health sector. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to revitalizing primary healthcare services, including the establishment of a special health insurance scheme benefiting 143,500 individuals across 27 local government areas.
Dr. Muhammed Kainuwa, the state’s Commissioner for Health, highlighted key achievements of the three-year GAVI/State-funded partnership. These successes include vaccinating 70% (416,250) of adolescent girls against the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), expanding vaccine storage capacity to bolster immunization efforts, and increasing public awareness and community engagement through advocacy by traditional rulers.
UNICEF’s ongoing partnership with the Jigawa State Government, alongside GAVI’s support, continues to play a critical role in improving healthcare accessibility and quality. These efforts contribute to strengthening the state’s healthcare infrastructure and advancing public health outcomes for its residents.
