UNICEF implores Kano, Katsina governments to strengthen primary healthcare systems

The United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has urged the Kano, Jigawa and Katsina governments to strengthen primary healthcare systems in their states.

Michael Banda, the officer in charge of the UNICEF field office in Kano, made the call on Friday at a media dialogue and polio campaign organised by UNICEF and the Kano State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

He said the state governments should implement the ‘Nigeria Primary Healthcare Under One Roof Policy’ to ensure one-stop functional primary healthcare centre in every ward.

He emphasised the need for governments of the three states to make integrated primary healthcare package accessible to families in every functional health facility.

“UNICEF will continue to support the growth of primary healthcare system in these states,” Banda said.

“We want to ensure that at least one primary healthcare facility is functional in each local government area.”

He added that boosting routine immunisation will eradicate polio and childhood killer diseases in the country.

“It has become important for stakeholders to collaborate and ensure that children below five years receive all vaccines,” he said.

“Immunisation is the single, most cost-effective and high-impact intervention which protects children against vaccine-preventable illness and death.

“I urge the media to create the demand for immunisation and to raise awareness about the importance of immunisation by providing accurate information to caregivers, families and communities.”