UNICEF, in collaboration with the wife of Sokoto State Governor, Fatima Aliyu, has intensified efforts to improve birth registration and child nutrition in the state.
During a visit to Sokoto on Monday, UNICEF Nigeria Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, expressed concern about the 1.5 million unregistered children under the age of five in the state.
“Having a birth certificate not only provides an official identity but also helps families access essential social services such as healthcare, education, and nutrition,” Munduate emphasized.
She also stated the need to move swiftly to immunize children who are yet to receive vaccines, stressing that birth registration is vital for comprehensive child protection and service access.
During the visit, UNICEF inaugurated the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) in Sokoto, funded by the agency and GAVI. The SCBU is expected to improve maternal and newborn healthcare in the state by providing specialized care for sick and underweight newborns.
Governor’s wife, Fatima Aliyu, pledged her full support to UNICEF’s initiatives, praising the organization for its efforts in the state.
“I am fully committed to supporting UNICEF in achieving success, particularly in birth registration, which is essential for national planning and development,” Aliyu said.
