Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has committed ₦670 million to combat malnutrition and enhance maternal and child health services across the state.
The announcement came during the flag-off ceremony of the second Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Kumbotso Local Government Area.
Of the allocated funds, ₦500 million will serve as counterpart funding to UNICEF for nutrition initiatives targeting malnourished children and pregnant women, while ₦170 million is earmarked for renovating and upgrading malnutrition treatment and referral centres.
Governor Yusuf reiterated his administration’s resolve to protect the health 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,” he said.
The MNCH Week initiative provides essential healthcare services, including immunizations, antenatal care, and nutritional supplements, alongside health awareness campaigns aimed at women and children across the state.
Governor Yusuf emphasized that these efforts are part of a comprehensive strategy to improve Kano’s healthcare infrastructure and reduce maternal and child mortality rates. “We are determined to foster sustainable development and ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible to all,” he stated.
The governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, described the funding as a “landmark move,” highlighting its potential to transform the lives of thousands of families.
Healthcare professionals and community leaders praised the initiative, with Dr. Amina Bello, a paediatrician at Murtala Mohammed Specialist Hospital, calling it a “timely intervention” in addressing malnutrition in Kano.
This strategic investment underscores the administration’s commitment to creating a healthier, brighter future for Kano’s children and families.