Handover of nutrition commodities procured through UNICEF

Protocols, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen I feel honoured to address you today at this significant event: the handing over and taking over of nutrition commodities worth Four hundred million naira (NGN 400,000,000) procured for Katsina through UNICEF. The Katsina State Government provided two hundred million Naira (NGN 200,000,000) and UNICEF provided a matching grant of another NGN 200,000,000. These commodities would be distributed for use at the Primary Healthcare Facilities and Hospitals for prevention and management of malnutrition across the state.

This is part of our united commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of our children, mothers, and families. Malnutrition remains one of the most pressing challenges facing our society, contributing to high rates of morbidity and mortality among our vulnerable populations. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every child in Katsina State has access to the nutrition they need for healthy growth and development.

Through this collaboration with UNICEF, we are taking a significant step forward in our fight against malnutrition. The nutrition commodities we are taking over today are not just numbers or items; they represent our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of our citizens, especially the most vulnerable among us. These resources will enhance our ongoing programs aimed at preventing malnutrition and provide critical support for those in need.

commend the efforts of UNICEF in providing the matching grant of NGN 200,000,000 for the purchase of these commodities, we will continue to join hands to address issue of malnutrition and improvement of the overall healthcare service delivery in the State. Your support and dedication play a crucial role in our mission, and we are grateful for your contributions. Together, we are not only providing immediate relief but also laying the foundation for sustainable improvements in the health status of women and children in our communities.

As we move forward, I urge all stakeholders-local government officials, health workers, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders to work collaboratively in utilizing these resources effectively. It is essential that we create awareness, educate our communities about proper nutrition, and ensure that these commodities reach the children and families who need them the most. Our leadership will continue to provide funding for nutrition commodities in collaboration with UNICEF and other partners, in view of

this, I would also like to re-iterate my commitment to further remain UNICEF that an additional Three Hundred Million (NGN 300,000,000) has already been made available in this year's budget for procurement of more Nutrition commodities for further continuation of the support to prevent and manage malnutrition among children and women of child bearing age in the state.

Our commitment to this cause does not end here, the Government is resolute in its determination to implement policies and programs that will further support nutrition and health initiatives. We will continue to engage with relevant partners and organizations to expand our efforts and ensure the reduction of morbidity and mortalities due to preventable diseases particularly among women, children and other vulnerable population.

The present administration is also making efforts to improve the healthcare infrastructures for optimum healthcare delivery. This include upgrading of 3 Comprehensive Health Centers to the status of General Hospitals; construction of Ultra-Modern Renal Dialysis Center, construction of Ultra-modern imaging and Diagnostic center; renovation of 112 Primary Health Care Centers across the 3-Senatorial Zones and provision of 10No. containers of essential hospital equipment, this equipment are adequate enough to flood all the hospitals and clinics in the state to support the provision of essential clinical services. We are sustaining improved welfare to our healthcare professionals by fully implementing CONHESS and COMESS salary scales in order to motivate and retain our healthcare workers to put their best services to patients. We have also recruited additional healthcare professionals to fill in the gaps in our hospitals. In conclusion, let us remember that the fight against malnutrition is a shared responsibility. Together, we can change the narrative and build a healthier future for our children and generations to come. Thank you all for your dedication, your passion, and your unwavering support.

Thank you.