From :Femi Oyelola
The UNICEF Representative for Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, has commended the Kaduna State Government for its efforts in providing essential services to vulnerable communities.
During her visit to a community outreach program in Zaria, Kaduna State, Wafaa Saeed expressed her encouragement upon witnessing a large number of women and children accessing vital services.
She reiterated this during her Field Monitoring Visit to Zaria and Maraban Jos.
While in Zaria, Saeed observed firsthand the impact of UNICEF’s collaborative efforts with the Kaduna State Government in improving the lives of children and women.
She had the opportunity to interact with community members, highlighting their collaborative efforts in delivering essential services, including nutrition screening, immunization, and antenatal care.
The outreach program, which took place in the Wuchichiri community, served as a testament to the power of collaboration and the significant achievements made when governments and international organizations unite to address the needs of vulnerable populations.
Saeed emphasized that one of the critical services provided during the outreach program was screening and treatment for malnutrition.
She pointed out that malnutrition poses a serious risk to children, particularly those who are severely acutely malnourished. She expressed her appreciation for the Kaduna State Government’s investment in supplies for treating malnourished children and commended their commitment to improving the health and well-being of their citizens.
Saeed also underscored the importance of immunization services for children who had not previously received vaccinations.
She noted that vaccines are crucial tools for preventing diseases and promoting healthy development, emphasizing their cost-effectiveness and impact.
In addition to health services, Saeed visited a local Qur’anic school, witnessing the positive outcomes of UNICEF’s partnership with the Kaduna State Government in enhancing education. The school has benefitted from initiatives that have improved the quality of education and provided children with foundational learning skills.
“My visit to the Zaria communities reinforced my commitment to collaboration and partnership in improving the lives of children and women,” Saeed remarked. “I am proud to work alongside the Kaduna State Government and other partners to provide essential services and support to vulnerable populations.”
Dr. Abubakar Sadiq Idris, the Director of Public Health at the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, explained that the program aims to reach underserved communities and provide them with essential health services.
This outreach initiative represents a collaborative effort between the Kaduna State Government and UNICEF aimed at enhancing the health and well-being of children in the state. Saeed praised the Kaduna State Government for its dedication to improving the lives of its citizens, especially children.
The program has delivered essential services to hundreds of children and women, including nutrition screening, immunization, and antenatal care. A dedicated team of healthcare workers was equipped with the necessary tools and supplies to diagnose and treat a diverse range of health conditions.
The positive impact of the program was evident in the faces of the children and women who received services. Amina, a mother of three, expressed her gratitude: “I am thankful for this program. My children were screened for malnutrition and received their immunizations. I feel happy knowing they are healthy and strong.”
In addition to health initiatives, UNICEF is also collaborating with the Kaduna State Government to enhance education in the region. A local Qur’anic school has benefited from UNICEF’s initiatives, which have improved the quality of education and provided children with essential learning skills.
Wafaa Saeed’s visit underscores the commitment of both UNICEF and the Kaduna State Government to enhancing the lives of children and women in the state. The outreach program exemplifies the power of collaboration and the significant impact that can be achieved when governments and international organizations work together to meet the needs of vulnerable populations.
