The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised concerns over maternal healthcare in Kano State, revealing that only about half of pregnant women receive care from qualified health providers, while just 36 percent deliver with the assistance of skilled birth attendants.
This was disclosed by UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, Judith Leveillee, during a state-level training on the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) held in Kano State.
Leveillee described the situation as alarming, stressing the need for urgent interventions across 18 local government areas and more than 200 wards in the state.
She further revealed that Kano records an under-five mortality rate of 158 deaths per 1,000 live births, a statistic she said represents a serious public health challenge requiring sustained and coordinated action.
Despite the concerns, she commended the efforts of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and the Kano State Government for aligning with national health priorities to tackle the issue.
She also assured that UNICEF would continue to support the rollout of the MAMII initiative, alongside the Community-Based Health Worker programme in affected communities.
In his remarks, the Director General of the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board, 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 optimism that adopting the MAMII strategy would improve efficiency and strengthen service delivery across primary healthcare facilities.
Also speaking, the Director of Community Health Services at the NPHCDA, Nana Sanda Abubakar, emphasized the importance of collaboration, capacity building, and strategic coordination to ensure the success of the initiative.
