UNICEF Seeks $15 Million to Improve Quality of Life in Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara
UNICEF has called for an investment of $15 million to address the socio-economic challenges and improve the quality of life in Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. The request was made by UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, Christian Munduate, during a news briefing in Gusau on Wednesday.
Munduate, who had just concluded an interactive session with stakeholders from Gidanwada Model Primary School in Bungudu Local Government Area (LGA), emphasized that the governors of the three states must provide matching grants to meet the growing needs of their citizens and improve living conditions.
She expressed concern over the high prevalence of malnutrition among children and nursing mothers in these states and highlighted open defecation as a significant contributor to diseases that could undo progress made in reversing the polio epidemic in the region.
According to her, children, mothers, and all Nigerians deserve better access to quality education, healthcare, and nutrition. UNICEF has already taken steps to address some of these issues, with a partnership supporting 50 primary healthcare centers in collaboration with the federal government and Zamfara State. Munduate confirmed that all these centers are now operational and providing vital services to local communities.
However, the UNICEF representative called for greater collaboration between the three states, development partners, and stakeholders to tackle the pressing issues, particularly malnutrition, disease outbreaks, and inadequate sanitation.
The situation is critical, with at least 5.5 million children in Northern Nigeria suffering from severe and acute malnutrition. Additionally, approximately 40 million Nigerians are engaged in open defecation, a major cause of preventable diseases.
Munduate concluded by stressing the importance of continued technical support to ensure the sustainability of healthcare centers and interventions aimed at improving the well-being of the people in these states.
