By Muhammad Amaan
The United Nations Children Education Fund (UNICEF) has urged governments to invest in children’s health and education so as to secure a healthier and more prosperous future.
The UNICEF Chief of Field Office in Kaduna, Dr Gerida Birukila, made the call while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Kaduna.
She spoke on the sidelines of the conclusion of a two-day evidence-based state-level consultation to shape UNICEF’s 2028–2032 Country Programme Development (CPD).
The consultation with the theme: “From Evidence to Priority,” focused on validating data and identifying key challenges affecting children in Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kwara states.
Participants included representatives from education, health, information, women affairs, civil society organisations and other Ministries, Departments and Agencies within the UNICEF Kaduna Field Office.
Dr Birukila said the consultation brought together government partners and experts to verify evidence, identify gaps and establish priority interventions for children.
She explained that UNICEF was using reliable data to ensure that future interventions are focused, scalable and responsive to local realities.
According to her, the programme targets areas with the greatest needs, particularly child survival and reducing the number of out-of-school children.
She said UNICEF would continue working closely with governments by providing technical support and jointly determining priority interventions based on available resources.
Birukila stressed the need for targeted programmes to ensure that most vulnerable children and women received essential support.
She said that reducing child mortality required investments in vaccination, exclusive breastfeeding, clean water, sanitation and routine immunisation.
According to her, improving child survival indicators reflects the overall development and wellbeing of any nation.
She also highlighted maternal healthcare, education, water and sanitation as critical sectors requiring sustained investment.
Dr Birukila emphasised that governments must prioritise disadvantaged communities to ensure that no child is left behind.
NAN reports that the UNICEF Kaduna field office comprises Kaduna, Niger, Nasarawa and Kwara states.
