UNICEF, GAVi hand over primary health facilities worth $5.8m to Katsina

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and GAVI, the international vaccination group, have handed over a primary healthcare project valued at about $8,539,995. to the Katsina State Government.

Funded by UNICEF, GAVI, and the Katsina State government, the project was designed to improve the health of mothers and children by strengthening primary healthcare systems and routine immunization.

Speaking at the handover ceremony at the Government House, Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina state said his administration has been prioritising the health of the citizens.

Radda said: “The partnership has strengthened our immunization programme enhanced the capacity of our health workers, and also ensured that hard-to-reach communities receive essential health services.

“It has also improved the functionality of our Primary Healthcare Centres, making healthcare more accessible to our citizens.

“Our commitment to strengthening primary healthcare centers does not end here as the government remains dedicated to sustaining the gains achieved’’.

Mr. Rahama Farah, head of UNICEF Field Office Kano,  said the partnership within three years reduced the under-5 mortality rate from a significant 188 in 2018 to 105 in 2024, per 1000 live births, as reported by the National Demographic Health Survey.

Farah said: “The programme also increased vaccination coverage to a notable 20% in Penta3 vaccination from 33.7% in 2018 to 53.3% in 2023”

“This result has been achieved despite the significant security challenges faced by Katsina State.’’