EU, UNICEF, Sokoto partner to boost health, education services

The European Union, United Nations Children’s Fund, and the Sokoto State Government have reaffirmed their joint commitment to improving the lives of women, children, and adolescents through a series of targeted interventions.

Speaking on Tuesday during a working visit to various health and education facilities in the state, the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Gautier Mignot, emphasised EU’s dedication to supporting Sokoto, particularly in the health sector.

“We are aware of the serious healthcare challenges facing Sokoto State, and this is why we’ve begun rolling out support through the recently launched SARA project for women and adolescent health.

“We are also providing humanitarian aid focused on nutrition and primary healthcare support, including Quranic and nomadic schools that integrate formal education,” Mignot stated.

Mignot highlighted the importance of girl-child education, describing it as a “powerful accelerator for development and prosperity.”

He noted that countries with empowered, educated women tend to perform better economically, adding, “Giving young girls educational opportunities is vital for the future prosperity of their communities.”

The EU’s humanitarian arm, ECHO, is also playing a critical role by channelling significant aid towards nutrition and healthcare needs in the region.

Together with EU member states, we provide over €100 million in humanitarian aid annually to Nigeria, with a substantial portion allocated to the Northwest,” the Ambassador revealed.

UNICEF Country representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, echoed similar sentiments, applauding progress in primary healthcare coverage while stressing the urgent need for further expansion.

“Although improvements have been made, the demand remains overwhelming.

“Even the best-performing primary health centres are overstretched, and more functional facilities are needed per ward,” she said.

In his remarks, the state Commissioner for Health, Faruk Wurno, reaffirmed the state’s readiness to meet these challenges.

Wurno disclosed that the government has already awarded contracts for the revitalisation of 116 primary healthcare centres, including the heavily burdened facility visited during the tour.

He stated, “This centre will be expanded and equipped with essential amenities, including solar power, to provide a conducive environment for both healthcare delivery and learning.

Our goal is to reduce maternal and infant mortality by addressing key health indicators through the SARA project.”

The commissioner also pledged transparency and accountability in implementing the three projects launched recently, ensuring they are effectively executed to serve the people of Sokoto