The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has joined hands with the Kano State government to fight high rates of death among mothers and young children. Officials from both sides say they will work together on new health programmes to make sure pregnant women and babies get better care across the state.

Health experts have raised concern about the situation in Kano. Right now, only half of pregnant women see skilled doctors or nurses during pregnancy, and just 36 per cent give birth with proper help. The death rate for children under five is also very high at 158 per every 1,000 births. Leaders described this as a serious problem that needs quick action.

To tackle the issue, the partnership will roll out the Maternal, Neonatal and Child Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative, known as MAMII. They will also train community health workers in 200 wards spread across 18 local government areas. The plan is to improve daily services and reach more families with the help they need.

UNICEF’s team leader in the region called the numbers worrying and said urgent steps are required. Kano health officials promised to focus on quality care that puts people first. They added that working closely with national health agencies will make the effort stronger and longer-lasting.

The new programmes aim to bring down the number of mothers and children who die from preventable causes. By training more workers and improving access to services, leaders hope to see real changes in health numbers across Kano.

This move shows a fresh commitment to better healthcare in northern Nigeria. With UNICEF and state leaders working side by side, many families could soon have safer pregnancies and healthier children.