Kano State Government and UNICEF Collaborate to Enhance Health Outcomes for Children and Pregnant Women

Strategic Insights -

The Kano State government has partnered with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) to improve health outcomes for children and pregnant women in the state. The collaboration, which is part of the 2025 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) programme, aims to reach 2.6 million children between 6-59 months and about 500,000 pregnant women with adequate quantities of Vitamin A supplements and multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS). This represents 80 percent of the targeted population, with a focus on enhancing routine immunisation coverage, particularly for Penta, polio, HPV, and Td vaccines.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Kano State government, in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to reach 2.6 million children and 500,000 pregnant women with Vitamin A supplements and MMS, representing 80 percent of the targeted population.
  • The state has a population of over 17 million people, with approximately 3.5 million under five children and 900,000 pregnant women, making it a strategic location for issues related to children and women's rights.
  • Governor Abba Yusuf has reiterated the government's commitment to enhancing quality healthcare delivery for citizens, with a focus on women and children, through initiatives such as monthly distribution of delivery packs and cesarian section packages, as well as the provision of ANC drugs and mosquito nets.
  • UNICEF will continue to partner with the state government to improve nutrition and health outcomes for women and children, with a focus on key sectors such as health, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH).
  • The partnership aims to enhance routine immunisation coverage, with a particular focus on Penta, polio, HPV, and Td vaccines.
  • The MNCH week will also focus on other health interventions, including micronutrient supplementation (MMS) and Vitamin A supplementation.

Statistics:

  • 2.6 million children between 6-59 months will receive Vitamin A supplements and MMS.
  • 500,000 pregnant women will receive Vitamin A supplements and MMS.
  • 80 percent of the targeted population will be reached through the partnership.
  • The Kano State has a population of over 17 million people.
  • Approximately 3.5 million under-five children reside in the state.
  • There are 900,000 pregnant women in the state.
  • The state government plans to distribute 6,000 delivery packs, 500 cesarian section packages, and provide ANC drugs and mosquito nets to pregnant women.

Sources:

  • Speaking during the launch of the first round of the 2025 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) programme, the Chief of UNICEF field Office, Mr Rahama Farah, said the number represents 80 percent of the targeted population. (Source: UNICEF)
  • According to him, with a population of over 17 million people and approximately 3.5 million under five children, and 900,000 pregnant women, the state is strategically important in all issues of children and women's rights. (Source: UNICEF)
  • Governor Abba Yusuf, represented by his deputy, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, reiterated government's commitment to enhancing quality healthcare delivery for citizens, especially women and children. (Source: Kano State Government)