Kaduna, UNICEF Partnership Drives Mobile Health Services to Remote Communities
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
The Kaduna State Government has credited its strategic partnership with UNICEF as a driving force behind the successful rollout of integrated mobile health outreaches aimed at delivering essential healthcare to hard-to-reach communities.
During a field monitoring and supervisory visit to Gidan Mai Gari, Zangon Aya Ward in Igabi Local Government Area, the Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq, highlighted that the outreach program would not have been possible without UNICEF’s support.
“Sustainability is central to our strategy. That’s why our partnership with UNICEF is so crucial,” Dr. Sadiq stated.
The mobile outreach initiative provides a full package of services, including immunization, antenatal care, nutrition support, tuberculosis screening, treatment for common illnesses like malaria, and birth registration. The program targets rural communities situated far from health facilities and burdened by poor access to healthcare.
According to Dr. Sadiq, the state government provided the mobile health trucks and deployed its health workforce, while UNICEF stepped in to fill critical operational gaps, especially in funding logistics and staff support.
“Fueling just one truck costs over ₦250,000. We have five of them. UNICEF is supporting us with fuel, transport logistics, and modest stipends to keep health workers motivated in these demanding environments,” she said.
The outreach to Gidan Mai Gari was prioritized based on health data indicating a high number of zero-dose children, frequent home deliveries, and difficult terrain preventing access to nearby health facilities.
UNICEF’s involvement is under its Global Maternal and Child Health Initiative, which seeks to support national and subnational governments in delivering equitable healthcare services.
UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Field Operations, Judith Leveillee, who joined the monitoring visit, emphasized the importance of government collaboration in ensuring impact.
“Thanks to the strong partnership between UNICEF, the Kaduna State Government, and other key partners, we witnessed firsthand the life-saving difference mobile outreach is making. Children suffering from preventable illnesses like mumps received their first vaccinations today,” Leveillee said.
She praised the mobile health trucks as “fully functional clinics on wheels” and commended the trained staff for providing on-site diagnoses, prescriptions, and treatment.
“Reaching remote communities with essential services is one of the most meaningful investments we can make for the future of Nigeria. Our partnership with Kaduna State proves that coordination, data, and dedication can overcome barriers,” she added.
Community leaders also welcomed the initiative. District Head of Zangon Aya, Abdulrasheed Sani, said the outreach was well received by residents, many of whom had never accessed formal medical services before.
“We thank the government and UNICEF for this health intervention. It shows what is possible when partners work together to serve those in need,” he said.
As Kaduna State and UNICEF look ahead, the focus remains on using partnerships to bridge the healthcare gap, especially for the most vulnerable children and women living in remote communities.
