From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF),commomerate World Children’s Day with the spotlighted the progress achieved in three states of Sokoto Field office.
The Sokoto UNICEF Zone Chief Field Officer, Michael Juma, stated that the success including collaboration with the Sokoto State Government, has allocated N200 million to boost child nutrition in the state.
The state government contributed N100 million to the child nutrition fund, which UNICEF will match with an additional N100 million to procure high-impact medicine supplies at the state level.
The initiative aims to address the needs of children, particularly those in need of support.
UNICEF Sokoto, covering three states (Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi), has achieved significant success in addressing the needs of children and women.
Juma further stated that 18,000 households, including children under five years, are receiving free medical services with UNICEF’s support.
According to him 1.5 million children were vaccinated in the October round of vaccination.
Over 1,000 sick newborn children have benefited from the Special You Born Care Unit at the Specialist Hospital.
He said 3.1 million children received vitamin supplementation, and 285 children with severe acute malnutrition are receiving ready-to-use therapeutic food with a 95% recovery rate.
UNICEF has promised to continue working towards ensuring that children in the state fulfill their rights, including access to quality education and healthcare.
The organization has called for increased focus on addressing the needs of children, particularly in areas such as zero-dose immunization, nutrition, and education.
Insufficient resources remain a challenge in implementing programs for children and women.
Many children are still out of school, and there is a need for increased focus on identification, enrollment, and retention.
UNICEF remains committed to working with the state government and other development partners to address the needs of children and women in Sokoto State.
