"Zamfara Commits N1.3 Billion to Healthcare, UNICEF Pledges Support"

By Umar Faruk 

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State - September 20, 2025(Series News Online)

A two-day advocacy meeting was held at the AZBIR Hotel in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, bringing together key stakeholders from Zamfara State's 14 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and other relevant parties. The meeting, organized by UNICEF, aimed to mobilize domestic funds to scale up the Zamfara State Health Contributory Management Agency (ZAMCHEMA) program.

The participants included Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of Zamfara State, Executive Chairmen from the 14 LGAs, representatives from state ministries, and other stakeholders. The meeting's objective was to enhance health coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for vulnerable residents.

In his remarks, the Honorable Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ahmad Garba Yandi, appreciated the efforts of UNICEF and other partners in supporting the healthcare program. "We are grateful for the technical and financial support provided by UNICEF, which has enabled us to make significant progress in healthcare delivery," he said.

The participants commended the Zamfara State Government for its commitment to healthcare development, including the recruitment of health workers and renovation of healthcare facilities. They also appreciated UNICEF's investment of approximately 1 billion naira in capitation fees for the ZAMCHEMA program.

The meeting made several key recommendations, including submitting a memo to the State Governor for the enrollment of 2% of the poor and vulnerable individuals in the National Social Register into the ZAMCHEMA program. The participants also advocated for the payment of 12% employer contributions for state workers to enable their children to benefit from the program.

In his remarks, Dr. Iliya Ahmad, Ag. Ex. Sec. ZAMCHEMA, appreciated the support of UNICEF and other partners. "We are grateful for the technical and financial support provided by UNICEF, which has enabled us to improve healthcare delivery in Zamfara State," he said.

The meeting concluded with a call for increased domestic funding to sustain and expand the ZAMCHEMA program. The participants pledged to work together to ensure the realization of children's rights and improve healthcare delivery in Zamfara State.