2.6 Million Children, 500,000 Pregnant Women Set to Benefit as Kano, UNICEF Launch Mega Health Drive

In a renewed drive to tackle malnutrition and improve maternal and child health, the Kano State Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has launched an ambitious campaign to reach approximately 2.6 million children between six and fifty-nine months of age, as well as about 500,000 pregnant women, with critical Vitamin A supplements and multiple micronutrient interventions.

According to iReporter Online, the initiative was flagged off during the first round of the 2025 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) held at Burji Primary Health Centre in Madobi Local Government Area. Speaking at the event, Mr. Rahama Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office, emphasized that the target represents nearly 80 percent of the state’s intended beneficiaries.

Farah described Kano State—with a population of over 17 million people, including 3.5 million children under five and nearly 900,000 pregnant women—as a pivotal region in addressing the rights and well-being of women and children in Nigeria. He commended the state government for its consistent funding and policy support in the areas of health, nutrition, and Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), calling for the implementation of a second round of the MNCHW to sustain the gains.

He also encouraged the public to take advantage of the health week to increase vaccine uptake, particularly for Penta, polio, HPV, and tetanus-diphtheria (Td) immunizations. Farah assured continued collaboration with state authorities to improve outcomes for children and women across health and nutrition sectors.

Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the launch, Deputy Governor Aminu Abdulsalam reaffirmed the state’s commitment to strengthening healthcare access, especially for vulnerable groups. He highlighted recent government efforts such as the monthly distribution of 6,000 delivery packs, 500 caesarean-section kits, mosquito nets, and over 30,000 doses of antenatal medications to mitigate risks related to anemia, malaria, and maternal and infant mortality.

The health initiative underscores the growing emphasis on integrated community-based health outreach, targeting underserved populations and advancing the broader agenda of child survival and maternal wellness.