The United Nations Children’s Fund, World Health Organization, and United Nations Development Programme have commended the Kebbi State Government for its progress in strengthening healthcare delivery, describing the state as a leading example in Nigeria.
The commendation came during a visit by representatives of the agencies to Governor Nasir Idris in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, the Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, praised the introduction of the state’s Health Insurance Scheme, noting that it has made healthcare more accessible and affordable for residents.
She recounted her visit to a primary healthcare centre, where a beneficiary expressed satisfaction with the scheme, saying it had reduced her medical expenses and improved her ability to support her household.
Saeed explained that the UN delegation was also in the state to evaluate ongoing efforts in polio eradication and routine immunisation.
She highlighted Nigeria’s achievement of being declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020 and reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kebbi State in expanding immunisation coverage.
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Also speaking, the WHO Representative Pavel Ursu said the organisation is ready to deepen collaboration with the state in promoting universal health coverage.
He acknowledged improvements across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities and reiterated WHO’s support for disease control initiatives.
Similarly, the North-West Programme Representative of UNDP, Ashraf Usman, said the agency would work with the state government in areas such as policy development, security, and the resettlement of internally displaced persons.
He noted that UNDP is committed to assisting communities affected by displacement and supporting efforts to restore stability in impacted areas.
Immunisation
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Abubakar Muhammad Noma, presented updates on immunisation activities.
He disclosed that six cases had been recorded in 2026, with another under investigation.
He also appreciated the state government for providing ₦100 million in counterpart funding and appealed for additional resources, including solar-powered cold storage facilities for vaccines and improved welfare for field personnel.
Strengthening the Health Sector
In his remarks, Governor Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the health sector and supporting partnerships with development organisations.
According to him, the government has rehabilitated 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres, and several dispensaries, alongside the provision of operational vehicles.
The governor added that 45,000 vulnerable residents have so far benefited from the Health Insurance Scheme, with plans underway to expand enrolment.
He stressed that improving healthcare services remains a key priority for his administration, with a focus on ensuring access across all parts of the state.
The visit concluded with the commissioning of 45 motorcycles donated by UNICEF to enhance the mobility of health workers in Kebbi State.