UN Agencies Praise Kebbi State's Healthcare Initiatives

UN agencies, including the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Health Organization (WHO), have praised Kebbi State's healthcare efforts during a visit to the state council chamber in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday. UNICEF Country Representative Wafaa Saeed commended Governor Nasir Idris for demonstrating a human-centered approach to governance, evident in the state's health insurance scheme benefiting elderly residents.

Saeed highlighted Kebbi's investments in healthcare and social protection, including a minimum wage initiative and support for widows. She reminded stakeholders that Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus in 2020 and urged sustained efforts to combat vaccine-derived polio through improved immunization campaigns.

Pavel Ursu, another UN representative, praised Kebbi's comprehensive healthcare strategy, including investments in primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare systems. Governor Idris disclosed that the state revitalized 22 general hospitals and 179 primary healthcare centers, with N1.7 billion approved for revitalization and N1.3 billion for medical equipment procurement.

UNICEF's support included recruiting 2,000 health workers to enhance service delivery.