UNICEF WHO UNDP Commend Kebbi Government on Primary Healthcare and Polio Eradication Efforts
By Abdullahi Tukur
Development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) have commended the Kebbi State Government for its sustained investments in primary healthcare and its continued commitment to polio eradication across the state.
The commendation came during a courtesy visit to Governor Nasir Idris at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi.
Speaking during the visit, UNICEF Country Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed, praised the governor for prioritizing people-centered healthcare delivery. She cited a personal encounter with an elderly beneficiary of the state’s health insurance scheme as evidence of the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of vulnerable citizens.
According to her, Kebbi State’s investments in healthcare, social welfare, and worker support—including improved minimum wage and assistance to widows—reflect inclusive and compassionate governance.
On polio eradication, she recalled that Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus in 2020, noting that Kebbi State now has an opportunity to lead efforts in eliminating vaccine-derived polio through stronger immunization campaigns and better coordination at the local government level.
She also highlighted the importance of routine immunization and commended the state for absorbing over 500 health workers previously supported by Gavi, describing the move as critical for sustainable healthcare delivery.
Similarly, WHO Country Representative, Pavel Ursu, lauded the Kebbi State Government for its strategic investments across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems.
He noted that improved surveillance systems and data management have strengthened the state’s ability to track health outcomes and respond effectively to disease outbreaks, particularly polio.
Also speaking, the UNDP Northwest Representative, Asharaf Usman, disclosed plans to expand the agency’s peace and security programme to Kebbi State.
He explained that the initiative would focus on livelihoods, governance, and support for vulnerable communities, including addressing border security concerns and assisting displaced persons.
Responding, Governor Nasir Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with international development agencies, describing such collaborations as essential to addressing challenges in healthcare, education, security, and economic development.
The governor disclosed that his administration has revitalized 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres, and 63 dispensaries across the state.
He added that about 45,000 vulnerable individuals have been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, alongside additional beneficiaries supported by UNICEF.
According to him, the government has also recruited over 2,000 health workers and approved N1.7 billion for the revitalization of additional primary healthcare centres, as well as N1.3 billion for the procurement of medical equipment.
The event also featured the presentation of 45 motorcycles donated by UNICEF to improve mobility for healthcare workers in hard-to-reach areas.
A technical briefing on polio vaccination coverage was also delivered by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Noma.
