Kano Records High Maternal, Child Mortality Rates in Nigeria, Says UNICEF

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has declared that Kano State has one of the highest burdens of maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria, particularly across 18 Local Government Areas, comprising over 200 wards.

The Chief of Field Operations and Emergency, UNICEF Nigeria, Ms. Judith Leveillee, stated this in Kano, during the state level training on maternal, neonatal and child mortality reduction innovation and initiative (MAMII) held in Kano.

According to her, this situation accounts for the following: 50 per cent of pregnant women are attended by skilled provider.

Out of these, only 36 per cent of pregnant women delivered by skilled birth attended, while 59 per cent represent the death of the newborn babies.

She further stated that under 5 mortality accounts for 158 per cent in Kano, adding that, “this poses a significant public health challenge that requires urgent coordination and sustainable implementation.”

Ms. Judith said, in response to this, “UNICEF appreciates that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and the Kano State Government have demonstrated strong commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality by aligning with national health priorities.

“With strong collaboration, UNICEF will continue to support the implementation of maternal, neonatal and child mortality reduction innovation and initiative (MAMII) and the Community based health worker (CBHW) programme across 200 wards in the 18 selected Local Government Areas of the State.”

Speaking at the event, the Director General of KSPHCMB, Prof. Salisu Ahmad Ibrahim, represented by the Director of Family Health, Dr. Aliyu Zubair Maidutse, reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to delivering high-quality, people-centered healthcare services.

He emphasized that the adoption of the MAMII approach will enhance efficiency, responsiveness, and overall service delivery outcomes within the primary healthcare system.

In her remarks, the Director of Community Health Services, National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Nana Sanda Abubakar, commended the initiative and underscored the importance of collaboration, capacity strengthening, and strategic coordination in ensuring successful implementation.

She noted that sustained partnerships remain critical to achieving improved health indices and expanding access to essential services.