The United Nations Children’s Fund has strengthened its partnership with the Kano State Government in a renewed effort to reduce maternal and child deaths across the state, as concerns grow over poor health outcomes among women and children.
The collaboration, which involves the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board (KSPHCMB), is focused on improving access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural and underserved communities.
Speaking on Tuesday at a state-level training in Kano, UNICEF’s Chief of Field Operations and Emergency Officer in Nigeria, Judith Leveillee, said urgent action is needed to address the alarming health statistics in the state.
The training program, organised in collaboration with KSPHCMB, is part of the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII), a program designed to strengthen healthcare delivery and reduce preventable deaths.
Leveillee revealed that only about 50 per cent of pregnant women in Kano receive care from skilled health providers, while just 36 per cent give birth with the assistance of trained personnel. She added that the under-five mortality rate in the state stands at 158 deaths per 1,000 live births.
“These figures show a serious public health challenge that requires urgent and coordinated action,” she said.
Maternal and child mortality remain major health concerns in Nigeria, particularly in northern states like Kano, where access to healthcare services is often limited. Many women still give birth at home without the support of trained health workers, increasing the risk of complications and death for both mother and child.
In many rural communities, poor road networks, low awareness, and financial challenges make it difficult for pregnant women to reach health facilities. Cultural practices and lack of education also play a role in discouraging the use of formal healthcare services.
Leveillee stressed that addressing these challenges would require sustained efforts and strong partnerships between government agencies, development partners, and local communities.
She commended the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Kano State Government for their commitment to improving healthcare delivery in line with national priorities.
According to her, UNICEF will continue to support the implementation of the MAMII programme, as well as the Community-Based Health Worker (CBHW) initiative, which aims to bring healthcare services closer to people at the grassroots level.
The programs are expected to cover more than 200 wards across 18 Local Government Areas in Kano State, targeting communities with the highest burden of maternal and child deaths.
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General of KSPHCMB, Salisu Ibrahim, who was represented by the Director of Family Health, Aliyu Maidutse, reaffirmed the board’s commitment to improving healthcare services in the state.
He said the adoption of the MAMII approach would help make healthcare delivery more effective and responsive to the needs of the people.
“Our goal is to ensure that every woman and child has access to quality healthcare services, regardless of where they live,” he said.
Maidutse added that strengthening primary healthcare systems is key to reducing mortality rates, as most health issues can be addressed at the community level if facilities are properly equipped and staffed.
The Director of Community Health Services at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Nana Abubakar, also praised the initiative and highlighted the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
She said improving health outcomes requires not just funding, but also proper planning, training of health workers, and coordination between different levels of government.
“Sustained partnerships are essential if we are to improve health indicators and expand access to services,” she said.
Nigeria accounts for a significant share of global maternal and child deaths, according to health reports. Despite efforts by the government and international partners, progress has been slow in some regions due to systemic challenges.
Over the years, various programmes have been introduced to address these issues, including free maternal and child health services, immunisation campaigns, and community outreach programmes. However, gaps in implementation and funding have limited their impact.
The new initiative in Kano is expected to build on these efforts by focusing on innovation, data-driven strategies, and community involvement.
Under the Community-Based Health Worker programme, trained workers will be deployed to communities to provide basic health services, educate families, and refer serious cases to health facilities. This approach is seen as a practical way to reach people who may not otherwise have access to care.
Similarly, improving child health requires a combination of preventive and curative measures, including vaccination, proper nutrition, and timely treatment of illnesses.
Residents of Kano State have welcomed the renewed focus on healthcare, but many say they hope the initiative will lead to real changes on the ground.
Some community members have expressed concerns about the state of primary healthcare centres, noting that many lack essential equipment, drugs, and qualified staff.
Others have called for increased awareness campaigns to educate women on the importance of seeking medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.
For UNICEF and its partners, the goal is clear: to reduce preventable deaths and improve the quality of life for women and children in Kano State.
As the program rolls out across the selected local government areas, stakeholders say they will continue to monitor progress and adjust strategies where necessary.
If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other states facing similar challenges, helping Nigeria move closer to achieving its national and global health targets.
For now, health officials remain hopeful that the combined efforts of government and development partners will bring meaningful change and save lives across Kano State.