From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has praised Zamfara State for its recent increase in health funding from four percent to seven percent while also maintaining a status of zero polio cases.
UNICEF gave the commendation at a press briefing after a two-day visit to Zamfara State aimed at addressing the urgent challenges faced by children in the region.
Nigeria representative, Cristian Munduate, said the achievement was particularly significant as the state remained one of the few in the country still grappling with polio in 2023.
“Zamfara’s commitment to increasing its health budget from 4% to 7% is commendable,” Munduate stated. “However, this progress must be sustained over the years to ensure that polio does not return. Achieving zero cases in one state is not enough; we need a nationwide effort to eradicate polio completely,” she said.
Despite the success, Munduate underscored the urgent need to address severe acute malnutrition affecting approximately 250,000 children in Zamfara.
During her visit to stabilization centres for malnourished children, she said she witnessed both recovery and tragedy. “While some children are regaining their strength, others are not making it,” she lamented. “This highlights the critical need for prioritising child health in our national agenda.
“Zamfara has made commendable efforts, but there is still a long way to go. With political will and decisive leadership, we can accelerate progress,” she added.