The Nation Newspaper

Tag: United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF)

  • WHO, UNICEF review immunization coverage in Bayelsa

    The World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and other health partners have taken a critical review of immunization coverage in Bayelsa State.

    The international health partners took interest in Bayelsa following last reports that showed poor immunization coverage in the state.

    Speaking at the review meeting of the Expanded Programme on Immunisation (EPI) in Yenagoa, the state capital, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu, expressed happiness that the intervention was yielding expected results.

    Etebu said the state made quantum leap and improved tremendously in immunization coverage.

    He said reports on poor coverage  led to the establishment of the State Emergency Routine Immunization Coordinating Center (SERICC), in all poor performing state of the federation including Bayelsa.

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    He said the report showed that Bayelsa had a low coverage area of 47 per cent and was the only state in the South-South that was poorly performing.

    Etebu said the development made Bayelsa the only state, where SERICC was established in the region.

    He commended the Bayelsa state team for reversing the trend in a very short time and thanked WHO and UNICEF for their funding and commitment

    He said: “To this end, therefore, the makeover, outfitting and bequeathing of the Bayelsa State Emergency Routine Immunization Coordinating Center, by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a testimonial in itself and also a commitment to ridding the state of the vestiges of negative immunization indices.

    In his remark, Director, Immunization and Disease Control, Bayelsa State Primary Health,  Dr. Tarimobowei Egberipou, acknowledged the success of the state within nine months.

    He said, “So, to improve on this indices , the center was created and since the center was created about a year ago, we made quantum leap of about 15 per cent increment every quarter.

    “Presently, the coverage rate for the state is about 68 per cent and we are looking at the last quarter to make it 80 per cent, which is the coverage rate everywhere in the world.

    “So, for Bayelsa State to get an increase of 15 per cent every quarter shows you the amount of work, funding and strategies that have gone to reverse the trend that took over five years to get into. We have practically reverse it in nine month”.

    The state Coordinator, WHO, Dr. Edmund Egbe, called for more counterpart funding from the state government, saying that funding had been a major issue in the campaign.

     

  • UNICEF, Bayelsa train workers to tackle maternal mortality

    The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and the Bayelsa State Government have commenced training of health workers to tackle maternal and perinatal death.

    Specifically, the workers will be trained on maternal and perinatal death surveillance and response reporting.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, the state capital, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Ebitimitula Etebu said the trained workers would provide evidence-based information in the why, what, where and number of maternal and perinatal deaths in the state.

    He said the training would help the state provide accurate data on birth-related deaths; make available tools and means of reducing maternal and perinatal deaths and introduce best practice in handling such matters.

    Etebu commended UNICEF for its assistance and called on stakeholders in the state to take advantage of the process to institute accurate data in the state.

    The commissioner described the high rate of maternal and perinatal death in the state as a nightmare saying the healthcare system in the country was weak.

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    He said the country accounted for 10 percent of global maternal death following the death of 33,000 women each year.

    He said: “The expected social and medical outcome of every intended pregnancy is to have a healthy mother with a baby that is endowed with full potential for its own existence and survival”.

    He lamented the disparity in birth-relates deaths between developed countries and developing countries in Africa.

    He said: “Whereas evidence-based interventions are employed into preventing maternal and perinatal deaths in developed countries, this is less applicable to their developing counterparts.

    “Secondly, for every maternal and perinatal deaths the occur in the developed countries, a review is carried out to understand and identify gaps in services that may have led to the deaths with a view to preventing future occurrence”.

    Etebu noted that the National Council on Health (NCH) approved the council memo establishing Maternal Death Review (MDR) in all the states in 2011.

  • 2019: Don’t let politicians use you – Religious leaders tells youths

    Religious leaders from across the country have called on youths to beware of being tools in the hands of politicians during the 2019 polls.

    The leaders are reminding youths all over of how same politicians usually use and dump them after making them risk themselves and pay them with drinks and drugs.

    Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN) chairman Bwari Area Council Rev. Thomos Nachie, said that anyone with good intentions for a person cannot give them drugs that will destroy their lives.

    Speaking on Wednesday in Abuja, at a one day national forum with religious leaders on faith for social and behaviour change initiative held by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in collaboration with United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), he said that youths must refuse to be used as tools.

    Nachie who represented the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) CAN chairman added that youths must shine their eyes during this period.

    His words, “As a Christian, the fact is that we will continue to tell youths the risk of making themselves available as political thugs, most of the time we now that after being used, they are dumped. Our youths must come to realize that they must not be tools in the hand of politicians, who do not have good intentions for them, anyone with good intentions for you cannot give you drugs that will destroy your life.

    “Our youths must shine their eyes and stop giving themselves cheaply to politicians to be used to disrupt the peace of our nation and our politicians have to know that we are all answerable to the creator and it is clear that whatever we sow, we shall reap. If they cannot use their children to do such evil and not pay.”

    Read Also: Buhari to politicians: don’t set Nigeria ablaze

    Director/Chief Imam Al-Habibiyyah academy/Islamic society, Imam Fuad Adeyemi said that Nigerian youths have to realise that they too can attain the status of whatever politician trying to use them and refuse to be used because allowing themselves to be killed or sent to jail will kill their dreams.

    His said, “Now that the election is close by, religious leaders should understand their roles as representatives of God and his prophets, it is their job to represent all segments of their societies. It is important we make our youths understand that if God spares their lives they too can be what that politician is but if they destroy their lives or maim themselves it means their hope is dashed, they should understand that if a good youth becomes a leader tomorrow, they should have what they can refer to as focal point of where I’m I going to? How I’m I going to get to where I am going to? What are the things that will hinder my progress. One of the things that will prevent you is problems before, during and after the election. They need to realize that killing themselves or destroying themselves because of election ia not worth it.”

    Director General NOA, Dr Garba Abari said that the faith for social and behaviour change initiative ia a brain child of UNICEF.

    His words, ” The Faith for Social and Behaviour Change Initiative is the brain child of UNICEF. It is a strategic initiative that prioritizes the potential of religious leaders to lead social change processes through religious teachings and practices, by creating an open communication and support atmosphere about developmental initiatives such as exclusive breastfeeding, disease prevention, immunization, handwashing, nutrition, latrine use, personal hygiene, education, child protection and health-seeking behaviours.”

  • Nigeria ranked 11th highest on newborn deaths – UNICEF report

    Nigeria ranked 11th highest on newborn deaths – UNICEF report

    The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund ( UNICEF ), has ranked Nigeria 11th position on newborn deaths globally.

    This is according to a new report on “Newborn Mortality’’ released by UNICEF, which was obtained on Tuesday in Lagos.

    According to the report, eight of the 10 most dangerous places to be born are sub-Saharan Africa, where pregnant women are much less likely to receive assistance during delivery due to poverty, conflict and weak institutions.

    “With the newborn mortality rate of 29 deaths per 1,000 births, the global estimates rank Nigeria as the 11th highest on newborn deaths.

    “In the recent Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) conducted by the Government of Nigeria in 2016/17, the rate of newborn deaths per 1000 births is 37.

    “This national average hides the differences between the 36 states and the slow progress in some of them,’’ the report said.

    On the causes of newborn deaths, the report said that more than 80 per cent of newborn deaths were due to prematurity, asphyxia, complications during birth or infections such as pneumonia and sepsis.

    “These deaths can be prevented with access to well-trained midwives during antenatal and postnatal visits as well as delivery at a health facility.

    “These should be along with proven solutions like clean water, disinfectants, breastfeeding within the first hour, skin-to-skin contact, proper cord care, and good nutrition.

    “However, a shortage of well-trained health workers and midwives means that thousands don’t receive the life-saving support they need to survive,’’ it said.

    The report said that globally in low-income countries, the average newborn mortality rate was 27 deaths per 1,000 births, while in high-income countries, it was three deaths per 1,000.

    A statement by UNICEF issued by Eva Hinds, UNICEF Nigeria, quoted Mohamed Fall, UNICEF Nigeria’s Representative as saying “a fair chance in life begins with a strong, healthy start.

    “Unfortunately, many children in Nigeria are still deprived of this, MICS data tells us that the trend is improving but urgent action needs to be taken for Nigeria to reach the Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).’’

    The statement also quoted Henrietta Fore, UNICEF’s Executive Director as saying “we have more than halved the number of deaths among children under the age of five in the last quarter century.

    “We have not made similar progress in ending deaths among children less than one month old.

    “Given that the majority of these deaths are preventable, clearly we are failing the world’s poorest babies.’’

    Reacting to the report, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), Mamaye Evidence for Action, said that the deaths were needless and could be prevented through more concerted efforts by the government and all stakeholders.

    Mr Laide Shokunbi, Media Advisor of the NGO, urged more support from the Federal Government to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in the country.

    “Maternal and neonatal deaths could be prevented when women receive proper health care from skilled providers during pregnancy, at the time of delivery and shortly after birth.

    “Our health facilities should be well-equipped and they should also have skilled providers including doctors, nurses, and midwives always available,’’ he said.

    Also, Mr Akin Jimoh, the Project Director, Development Communications Network (Devcoms), said there was the need for increased sensitisation on how to achieve good maternal, newborn and child health.

    “There is the need for aggressive awareness campaign on maternal and newborn health, especially in rural, semi-urban and hard-to –reach areas, everyone has to be involved.

    “Women and men need to have the right knowledge, our government needs to strengthen our institutions especially the health sector, it has to be well –funded and monitored.

    “Also, our medical and health professionals need to be dedicated and conscientious,’’ Jimoh said.

    NAN

  • UNICEF, Yobe to end water shortage in 336 communities

    UNICEF, Yobe to end water shortage in 336 communities

    Bursari Local Government Council in Yobe, is partnering United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund ( UNICEF ) and the state government, to end the perennial water shortage in 336 rural communities in the area.

    Alhaji Zanna Abatcha, Chairman of the council, gave the hint in an interview on Wednesday in Damaturu.

    He said that water and sanitation facilities worth over N1 billion would be constructed in the 336 communities with severe water scarcity.

    According to him, Unicef, the state and local governments are jointly funding the projects.

    “Unicef is providing N649.6 million, Yobe government, N263.8 million and Bursari Local Government will contribute N111.3 million.”

    Abatcha commended Gov. Ibrahim Geidam of Yobe, for his commitment toward finding a lasting solution to the “age long water scarcity being experienced by these communities.”

    The chairman said  that the project would include 380 hand pump boreholes, 48 solar-powered boreholes and 60 water and sanitation facilities, located in primary schools and health clinics in the local government areaa.

    “Unicef has slated to complete the projects in five months; I assure you the local and state governments will not renege on their plan to provide succour to the communities.

    “This programme is very dear to the governor; it is in tune with this administration’s policy of improving the lives of rural dwellers in the state,” he said.

    Abatcha expressed confidence that the projects will be executed within the time frame slated by Unicef, as they round off their programme in the next five months.

    “The state’s Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency ( RUWASSA ) has commenced preliminary works, while local government authority, community leaders, water coordinators and other stakeholders are being trained on maintenance and ownership of the projects.”

    According to the council chairman, the projects will provide 90 per cent of water needs of the communities, to tally with the water and sanitation reform programme.

    NAN

  • Alimosho LGA partners UNICEF on E-library for students

    The Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State has entered into partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) to adopt E-library for its students.

    Mr Ganiyu Quadri, the council Sole Administrator, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on the sidelines of the 2017 Alimosho Intra-Local Government Spelling Bee Competition in Lagos.

    NAN reports that Master Olufemi Olasehinde, a student of Shasha Community Senior High School, Alimosho, won the 2016 edition of Lagos State Spelling Bee Competition and subsequently became a “One-day Governor’’ of the state.

    Spelling Bee is an annual competition for the public primary and secondary schools in Lagos, introduced to the state Ministry of Education by New Era Foundation (NEF) and started in 2001.

    Quadri said that the E-library was to make reading accessible and comfortable for pupils and students in public schools in the council area.

    “This is to encourage our students to give optimum concentration on their studies, so as to be a good ambassador of the local government, as Olufemi Olasehinde did last year.

    “With an android phone and a token generated for us by UNICEF, which is giving confidentially to our schools, students will have 24 hours access to books online either at school or home.

    “This is to keep them reading, as we do not expect them to engage in other activities than reading, except sports to energies their brains and physical body, ” he said.

    The sole administrator said with the E-library initiative, he was hopeful that students would improve in their academics and perform better at the 2017 Spelling Bee Competition.

    He encouraged those students representing the council in the competition to be hardworking, diligent, focussed and put in their best to replicate last years’ feat by emerging as the overall winner.

    “Other local government are also preparing, so you must put in your best, see your academic pursuit as your priority, prove your worth and show readiness and capability to win and make us and your parents proud,” Quadri said.

    He promised that the council would continue to be committed to the overall development of youths and children in the area.

    “This was indicated in the deworming exercise carried out on all public schools’ children and other health programmes in the local government area.

    “The programmes were geared toward ensuring healthy children as vital condition for meaningful learning and education,” the sole administrator said.

    Quadri said it was the pride of the council to have produced the winner in 2016, promising to strive hard to retain the trophy.

    He said the council has never lagged behind in term of education, as its leadership always give total support to the academic pursuit of students in the area.

    Quadri commended teachers for their roles in building morally and intellectually sound children for a better Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, praying that God would reward them.

    In his remarks, Olufemi Olasehinde, winner of the 2016 Spelling Bee Competition and the current one-day governor told NAN that his experience within the last one year was very good and enviable.

    Olasehinde said that he has learnt to be more courageous and exposed to what it takes to hold a leadership position.

    He urged his colleagues not to rest on their oars, but be prayerful, hardworking and consistent, saying that there were ample of opportunities for them to do better.

    “As I desire to become a medical doctor, I will continue to do what I know how to do best which is reading and be more prayerful to fulfill my dream, ” he said.

    NAN reports that at the end of the council intra-competition, Obiora Ogochukwu of African Primary School, Akowonjo, came first to represent the council at the primary category.

    Also, Ojo Inioluwa and Olagoke Toheeb of Abati Primary School, Abati, came second and third respectively.

    At the secondary category, Abah Okocha, emerged winner and would represent the council at the 2017 state competition on a yet to be fixed date.

    Rahmon Kehinde of Sasa Community Senior High School came second, while Enwema Emmanuel of Millennium Senior Secondary School came third position.

    The competition was categorised into the Primary and Secondary level to allow equal peering in the students Intellectual Quotient (IQ) and intellectual abilities.

    NAN reports that age limitations for the two categories are 6 years to 12 years, and 12 years to 17 years for primary and secondary schools respectively.

    The preliminaries of the competition were held in each of the 57 Local Government Area and Local Council Development Area (LCDA).

    This is to produce winners who would represent the various LGA and LCDA at the Grand Finale of the competition.

    Prizes for the winners range from cash to all expenses paid Students Educational Exchange Programme abroad and the rare opportunity for the overall winner to become ‘One Day Governor’ in Lagos.