The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has consistently demonstrated a resolute commitment to improving the lives of children and families in Nigeria. Through strategic partnerships, targeted interventions, and collaboration with media professionals, UNICEF has created impactful programs aimed at ensuring every child has access to essential services and opportunities to thrive.
From antenatal care to postnatal support, UNICEF’s initiatives cater to the holistic needs of children and their mothers. Recognizing that maternal health is crucial for child development, the organization advocates for comprehensive care at all stages, from conception through delivery and beyond. Programs promoting exclusive breastfeeding, family planning, and nutritional support underscore this approach.
Post-delivery, UNICEF’s focus shifts to child development, ensuring access to good nutrition, clean water, sanitation, healthcare, education, and protection from violence and exploitation. These interventions are critical in fostering a supportive environment for children to grow and achieve their full potential.
In Nigeria, UNICEF’s Bauchi Field Office (BFO) has taken significant strides in amplifying these efforts. By engaging a cohort of trained journalists, the BFO has effectively raised awareness of child health, maternal welfare, and general well-being. This collaboration has galvanized government and private sector actions, addressing pressing concerns and driving policy changes.
UNICEF’s recognition of the media’s influential power is evident in its partnership with the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the Diamond Awards for Media Excellence (DAME). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding in 2024, seeks to harness media platforms to promote and protect children’s rights. UNICEF Nigeria Representative Cristian Munduate lauded the partnership, stating, “By joining forces, we are setting a course to transform how children’s rights are reported and addressed in the media, ensuring every child’s rights are respected, protected, and fulfilled.”
The BFO’s community-driven initiatives, such as Mama2Mama and Fathers for Health (F4H), have bolstered grassroots mobilization for healthcare services. These programs have significantly improved immunization coverage, addressing zero-dose challenges and mitigating preventable diseases.
Additionally, UNICEF BFO has provided platforms for children to advocate for their rights directly to policymakers, as seen in engagements with the Bauchi State House of Assembly and the State First Lady, Dr. Aisha Bala Mohammed. These interactions have amplified children’s voices and influenced government interventions.
UNICEF’s 2024 milestones include engaging celebrities like Ali Nuhu and Kate Henshaw to champion immunization campaigns. This approach has heightened public awareness and encouraged participation in health initiatives. The organization’s technical support to the Bauchi State Primary Health Care Board has also facilitated the establishment of sustainable community health structures.
UNICEF BFO’s media dialogues have addressed critical issues, including child nutrition, immunization, education, and sanitation. These engagements equip journalists with current data and insights, enabling them to craft impactful stories that drive societal and policy changes.
In November 2024, a media dialogue focusing on child mortality in Bauchi, Gombe, and Taraba States emphasized the socio-economic and health impacts of the issue, urging collective action from stakeholders.
UNICEF’s construction of a multimillion-naira pressure swing absorption (PSA) medical oxygen plant and a Level 2 newborn care unit at Azare General Hospital, in collaboration with IHS Nigeria and the Government of Canada, exemplifies its commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure.
The unwavering dedication of UNICEF BFO and its partners was aptly summarized by Dr. Nuzhat Rafique, Chief of the Bauchi Field Office, during the launch of the 2024 MNCH Week in Gombe State: “The main focus of UNICEF is to ensure that children and women live healthy lives, reaching their full potentials in life.”
Through its comprehensive programs and strategic collaborations, UNICEF continues to lay the foundation for a healthier, brighter future for Nigeria’s children and families.