UNICEF Hands Over GAVI PHC-MoU Project to Jigawa State Government

By Ali R. Ali Jigawa, Dutse

In a significant milestone, UNICEF has handed over the GAVI PHC-MoU project to the Jigawa State Government, marking the end of a successful three-year partnership. The project, which aimed to strengthen primary healthcare services in Jigawa State, has achieved remarkable results.

According to Dr. Shyam Sharan Pathak, Chief of Health, UNICEF Nigeria, the project has contributed to a significant reduction in under-5 mortality rates, from 213 to 161 per 1000 live births between 2018 and 2023 ¹. Additionally, the project has led to a four-fold increase in measles vaccination, five-fold increase in ante-natal care coverage, and four-fold increase in skilled birth attendance.

The project has also enabled the enrollment of 29,530 individuals under the health insurance program, covering six local government areas through 65 primary healthcare centers. Furthermore, 416,250 adolescent girls have been protected against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) through the HPV vaccine.

UNICEF has commended the Jigawa State Government for its commitment to healthcare development, particularly its contribution of 879.25 million Naira as co-financing for the project. The state government has also allocated 15.6% of its budget to healthcare.

The handover ceremony, which took place on February 19, 2025, at the Jigawa State Government House, was attended by dignitaries, including the Deputy Executive Governor of Jigawa State, the Honorable State Health Commissioner, and representatives from development partners, including GAVI, WHO, and UNICEF.

UNICEF has reiterated its commitment to continuing its partnership with Jigawa State to build a resilient healthcare system and scale up essential health services, including routine immunization services.