Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The Government of Canada, through the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has announced a grant of 15 million Canadian dollars to support maternal, adolescent, and child health in three northern Nigerian states: Kaduna, Kebbi, and Bauchi.
The announcement was made on Thursday by Dr. Fatima Cheshi, a Health Specialist at UNICEF Nigeria, during a two-day state engagement meeting held in Kaduna.
Dr. Cheshi explained that the funding aims to strengthen the capacity of government institutions at both state and local government levels to deliver improved healthcare services to women of childbearing age, adolescents, and children under the age of five.
She emphasized that the initiative aligns with the federal government’s sector-wide strategy to improve health outcomes, with a strong focus on adolescent girls and their access to sexual and reproductive health services.
“The support is part of a broader effort to ensure that every child and mother, especially in underserved communities, can access the quality healthcare they deserve,” she said.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr. Aisha Abubakar, welcomed the grant, describing it as timely and critical to addressing pressing health challenges in the state.
“Kaduna continues to face unacceptably high rates of maternal mortality. This funding will go a long way in addressing the health needs of our most vulnerable populations and improving the capacity of our healthcare workforce,” Dr. Abubakar stated.
The initiative targets Kaduna, Kebbi, and Bauchi States—regions where health indicators related to maternal, adolescent, and child health remain alarmingly high. The grant is expected to enhance service delivery, increase access to life-saving care, and ultimately reduce preventable deaths among women and children.
