UN agencies hail Kebbi’s healthcare efforts, urge sustained polio fight

The Kebbi State Government has earned strong praise from global development partners, including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Development Programme, for its investments in primary healthcare and renewed drive to eliminate polio.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to the State Council Chamber in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday, UNICEF Country Representative, Wafaa Saeed, said the administration of Governor Nasir Idris has demonstrated a “human-centred approach” to governance.

“We have seen clear evidence that this government is prioritising the dignity and well-being of its people. A personal encounter with an elderly beneficiary of the state’s health insurance scheme reflects a system that is working for the most vulnerable”, Saeed said.

She described Kebbi’s investments in healthcare, social protection and workers’ welfare as “compassion-driven,” noting that initiatives such as improved minimum wage and targeted support for widows underscore inclusive governance.

On polio eradication, Saeed reminded stakeholders that Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus in 2020, but warned that efforts must be sustained.

“Kebbi State now has a critical opportunity to lead the fight against vaccine-derived polio through stronger immunisation campaigns, improved coordination at the local government level, and active engagement with traditional and religious leaders,” she said.

She also commended the state for absorbing over 500 health workers previously supported by Gavi, describing the move as “a bold and strategic step toward sustainability in the health sector.”

In his remarks, the WHO Country Representative, Pavel Ursu, praised the state’s comprehensive approach to healthcare development.

“Kebbi State has made strategic investments across primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare systems. We are particularly encouraged by improvements in surveillance systems and data quality, which are essential for tracking outcomes and responding effectively to outbreaks such as polio”, Ursu said.

He added that the professionalism of frontline health workers across facilities visited reflects “a system that is steadily gaining strength.”

Also speaking, UNDP North-West Representative, Asharaf Usman, disclosed plans to extend the agency’s peace and security programme to Kebbi State.

“We are looking to deepen collaboration with the state government on livelihoods, governance and stabilisation of vulnerable communities. This will include tailored interventions to address border security concerns and support displaced populations”, Usman said.

Responding, Idris reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to partnerships with international organisations.

“Our collaboration with development partners remains critical to addressing key challenges in healthcare, education, security and economic development,” the governor said.

He revealed that his administration has revitalised 22 general hospitals, 179 primary healthcare centres and 63 dispensaries across the state.

“In addition, 45,000 vulnerable residents have been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, with more beneficiaries supported by UNICEF,” he said. “We have also recruited over 2,000 health workers to strengthen service delivery.”

The governor further disclosed that N1.7bn has been approved for the revitalisation of additional primary healthcare centres, alongside N1.3bn for the procurement of medical equipment.

“These investments underscore our commitment to ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for all citizens,” Idris added.

The visit also featured the presentation of 45 motorcycles donated by UNICEF to improve healthcare outreach in hard-to-reach communities, as well as a technical briefing on polio vaccination coverage by the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Noma.