GOVERNOR Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has pledged ₦670 million to combat malnutrition and enhance maternal and child health services across the state.
This was announced during the official flag-off of the second Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Governor Yusuf disclosed that ₦500 million of the funds will serve as counterpart funding to United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for various nutrition initiatives aimed at addressing malnutrition among children and pregnant women.
Additionally, ₦170 million has been earmarked for the renovation and upgrading of malnutrition treatment and referral centres.
Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of Kano’s most vulnerable populations.
“This administration is resolute in its mission to fight malnutrition and prevent diseases that threaten the lives of our children,” the governor stated. “By committing these funds, we are taking a bold step toward ensuring a healthier and brighter future for our children and families.”
The MNCH Week is an initiative designed to deliver critical healthcare services, including immunizations, antenatal care, and nutritional supplements. The program also includes public health awareness campaigns targeting women and children across Kano State.
Governor Yusuf highlighted that these efforts form part of a broader strategy to strengthen the state’s healthcare infrastructure and reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
“These interventions are crucial to our comprehensive plan to fortify Kano’s healthcare system,” he explained. “We are determined to foster sustainable development and ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible to all.”
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, who issued the statement, described the investment as a “landmark move” that underscores the administration’s unwavering dedication to tackling health challenges.
According to Bature, “The governor’s vision is clear – no child in Kano should suffer from malnutrition or lack access to basic healthcare services. This funding will go a long way in transforming the lives of thousands of families.”
Healthcare professionals and community leaders in attendance lauded the initiative, expressing optimism that the allocated funds will significantly impact healthcare delivery in the state.
“This is a timely intervention,” said Dr. Amina Bello, a paediatrician at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital. “Malnutrition is a major issue in Kano, and with this level of commitment from the government, we can make real progress.”