The United Nations Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has committed approximately ₦480 million to support women and children in accessing free healthcare services in Zamfara State.
This announcement was made by Michael Juma, Chief of UNICEF’s Sokoto Field Office, during a three-day interaction with Zamfara State Government officials regarding the state’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan.
The ₦480 million fund is aimed at enabling women and children in Zamfara State to receive free healthcare services, addressing critical health needs in the region.
The interaction focused on the state’s ten-year strategic plan, which is designed to foster sustainable development in social, economic, and environmental sectors. Stakeholders believe the fund will significantly aid the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal in achieving these developmental goals.
Juma emphasized the importance of developing an accountability, monitoring, and evaluation framework to help key officers manage the strategic plan effectively.
This framework will track progress, ensure resources are utilized efficiently, and demonstrate tangible results in improving the lives of the people in Zamfara. Additionally, UNICEF has pledged to support the state government in enhancing the competitiveness of its staff in reporting and budgeting, ensuring transparency and accountability in the utilization of the funds.
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Beyond healthcare, UNICEF is committed to ensuring that children in Zamfara have access to quality and inclusive education.
Special emphasis will be placed on enrolling out-of-school children to provide them with the necessary education to reach their full potential. Governor Dauda Lawal expressed his gratitude to UNICEF for its unwavering support.
He described the ten-year strategic plan as a crucial roadmap that will guide his administration in addressing various challenges and achieving key development objectives.
The funding and strategic collaboration with UNICEF is expected to bring substantial improvements in the healthcare and educational sectors of Zamfara State, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being and development of its residents.