Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, has urged the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners to strengthen their data collection processes to support more effective and targeted interventions across the state.
The governor noted that sound decision-making and meaningful programmes depend on the availability of accurate and well-analysed data. He made the call while receiving a UNICEF advocacy delegation led by the organisation’s Nigeria Chief of Field Services, Miss Judith Leivellee, at his office.
Governor Nwifuru encouraged the agencies to deploy personnel to all primary healthcare centres in Ebonyi State to gather reliable information that would enhance maternal and child health initiatives.
He also backed UNICEF’s advocacy for the elimination of open defecation and called for intensified efforts to address poor immunisation coverage, polio, malnutrition, inadequate breastfeeding practices and recurrent cholera outbreaks in the state.
The remarks were contained in a statement issued on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor, and made available to journalists in Abakaliki.
Acknowledging the risks associated with inconsistent immunisation, the governor stressed the need for decisive action and directed local government chairmen to prioritise immunisation programmes. He also assured that the state government would construct toilet facilities in markets, schools and other public places.
In her remarks, Miss Leivellee disclosed that UNICEF is proposing the construction of about 2.5 million latrines as part of efforts to end open defecation and prevent cholera. She called for accelerated action by the state to stop the recurrence of the disease, noting that cholera has claimed over 20,000 lives.
She further explained that UNICEF has consistently supported malnourished children and those from vulnerable families through sustained partnerships aimed at safeguarding their health. According to her, the organisation has invested over $1 million in the past three years across various sectors and has partnered with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) and the National Identity Commission to promote child identity registration, while also supporting improvements in the healthcare system.
Miss Leivellee commended Governor Nwifuru for his reforms in the health sector and praised the timely release of counterpart funding by the state government.
