FLASH POINT

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reiterated its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery and reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Kaduna State. The assurance comes as the state intensifies efforts to improve access to quality healthcare for women and children.

 

WHO Representative, Dr. Furera Zakari, gave the assurance during the official flag-off of the second phase of the 2025 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week and the Sub-National Immunization Campaign held in Kaduna. She emphasized that the organization remains a reliable partner in supporting government-led health interventions across the state.

 

Dr. Zakari noted that despite progress recorded in recent years, maternal and child mortality indicators in some communities remain high due to gaps in access, awareness, and utilization of essential health services. According to her, WHO is working closely with the Kaduna State Government to address these challenges through targeted interventions.

 

She explained that the MNCH Week provides an opportunity for pregnant women, nursing mothers and caregivers to access a wide range of lifesaving services. These services include routine immunization, antenatal care, vitamin supplementation, deworming, nutritional screening and health education.

 

The WHO representative stressed that achieving improved health outcomes depends largely on community participation. She called on traditional leaders, religious figures, and community-based groups to mobilize families to take advantage of the free services provided during the week-long exercise.

 

Dr. Zakari further highlighted the importance of the Sub-National Immunization Campaign in closing immunity gaps among children under five. She explained that recurring outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles and diphtheria show the need for sustained vaccination coverage in all communities.

 

According to her, WHO will continue to provide technical support, training for frontline health workers, disease surveillance, logistics, and monitoring to ensure the success of the immunization exercise. She noted that such investments are vital for safeguarding the health of children across the state.

 

She commended the Kaduna State Government and development partners for prioritizing maternal and child health, describing the collaboration as a model that can be replicated across other states. The synergy, she said, is helping to build a resilient health system capable of responding effectively to emerging challenges.

 

The event attracted stakeholders from the state Ministry of Health, State Primary Health Care Board, development partners, civil society organizations and community representatives. Participants expressed optimism that the second phase of the 2025 MNCH Week would contribute to improved health indicators.

 

The flag-off ceremony marked the beginning of a statewide outreach that will see thousands of women and children receiving essential health services. Health officials urged residents to visit the nearest primary health care centre to participate in the exercise and help safeguard the health of families in Kaduna State.