UNICEF Applauds Sokoto Over Increase In Health Budget

United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has commended the Sokoto State government for prioritising health and nutrition in its budget, describing the move as a model for advancing child and maternal welfare.

UNICEF country representative in Nigeria, Ms. Wafa Saeed, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit to the deputy governor, Alhaji Idris Muhammad Gobir.

She lauded the government’s decision to raise health sector spending from 6.5 percent to 10 percent between 2024 and 2025, and to commit N500 million for nutrition supplies, a fund UNICEF has pledged to match through its Child Nutrition Fund.

“This commitment to health financing is commendable. It shows real care for mothers, children, and the most vulnerable,” Saeed said, stressing the importance of nutrition and immunization in the first two years of life, when 75 percent of brain development occurs.

She noted that immunisation addresses six of the 10 leading causes of child mortality, underscoring its role in securing a healthier future for children.

As part of its partnership, UNICEF announced plans to enroll 250,000 poor and vulnerable individuals into Sokoto’s social register under the EU-SUSEE programme.

It also flagged off free healthcare services for 15,000 beneficiaries in collaboration with the state Ministry of Health and the Sokoto State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, SOCHEMA.

To strengthen the programme, UNICEF donated 200 computer tablets, 200 power banks, three laptops, and thousands of “Mamakits” to support safe childbirth and immunisation.

Ms. Saeed further commended facilities like the state’s newborn care unit for their solar-powered infrastructure, clean water systems, and dedicated staff, describing them as examples of sustainable healthcare delivery.

The deputy governor, Alhaji Idris Gobir, who received the items on behalf of Governor Ahmed Aliyu, thanked UNICEF for its partnership and assured the delegation of Sokoto’s continued collaboration.

He emphasised that healthcare already receives the largest allocation in Sokoto’s 2024 and 2025 budgets, underlining the administration’s determination to extend services to every community, particularly vulnerable households.

Gobir added that the partnership with UNICEF will also strengthen the fight against Malnutrition in the state.

“A healthier population contributes more to community development. We will continue to work with UNICEF to improve healthcare, nutrition, and education across Sokoto State,” he said.