The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board to tackle the high rate of maternal and child mortality in Kano State.
Speaking at a state-level training on the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII), UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, Judith Leveillee, said the situation requires urgent intervention across 18 Local Government Areas, covering more than 200 wards.
Maternal Child Health Gains Momentum in Jigawa Through MAMII
She revealed that only about 50 percent of pregnant women in the state receive care from skilled health providers, while just 36 percent deliver with the assistance of skilled birth attendants. She added that under-five mortality stands at 158 deaths per 1,000 live births, describing the trend as a major public health concern that demands coordinated and sustained action.
Leveillee noted that UNICEF is encouraged by the commitment shown by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Kano State Government in aligning with national health priorities to address the challenge.
She said UNICEF would continue supporting the implementation of MAMII and the Community-Based Health Worker programme across the targeted wards.
In his remarks, the Director General of KSPHCMB, Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Family Health, Aliyu Zubair Maidutse, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to delivering quality, people-centered healthcare services.
He expressed confidence that adopting the MAMII approach would improve efficiency and service delivery across primary healthcare facilities.
Kano Government Vows To Curb Maternal Mortality Through MAMII
Also speaking, the Director of Community Health Services at NPHCDA, Nana Sanda Abubakar, commended the initiative and stressed the need for strong collaboration, capacity building, and strategic coordination to ensure its success.
She emphasized that sustained partnerships are vital for improving health outcomes and expanding access to essential services.
The training provided a platform for stakeholders to align strategies, strengthen coordination, and deepen commitment toward accelerating MAMII implementation across the state.
Participants were also equipped with practical knowledge on the client-centered case management approach to ensure effective service delivery and improved health outcomes.