Yusuf Yusuf The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Yobe state government have agreed to deepen their partnership to improve the well-being of women and children, following a strategic meeting on Tuesday in Damaturu.
Blueprint reports that the meeting reviewed five years of joint work in health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene, education, and civic participation.
UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office Chief, Mr. Francis Butichi, noted progress including fewer children out-of- school, but stressed the need for all government committees (health, education, women’s affairs) to synchronise efforts.
Yobe state Commissioner of Health and Human services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, said the 30-year partnership has yielded results.
He revealed that the government has deployed over 3,500 health workers and 3,000 teachers, but demands remain.
“UNICEF currently supports unpaid volunteers, and the meeting focused on integrating them into the system,” he said.
Both parties agreed to yearly reviews and stronger coordination to ensure lasting impact for women and children in Yobe.