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The United Nations Children’s Fund has partnered with the Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board to tackle rising cases of maternal and child mortality in Kano State. The initiative targets 18 local government areas and over 200 wards, where health indicators remain alarming, with many women and children lacking access to quality healthcare services. 
According to UNICEF officials, only about 50% of pregnant women receive care from skilled health providers, while just 36% deliver with trained birth attendants. The under-five mortality rate in the state stands at 158 deaths per 1,000 live births, highlighting a serious public health crisis. The new programme, known as the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative, aims to improve healthcare delivery through training, community engagement, and expanded access to skilled care. 
Health authorities say the partnership will strengthen primary healthcare systems through collaboration, capacity building, and community-based interventions. Officials from both UNICEF and government agencies emphasised that sustained cooperation and proper implementation are key to reducing preventable deaths, improving maternal health outcomes, and ensuring better survival rates for children across the state. 
