Jigawa State Sees Sharp Drop in Under-5 Mortality Rate – UNICEF

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has reported a significant decline in Jigawa State's Under-5 mortality rate, dropping from 213 to 161 per 1,000 live births between 2018 and 2023.

The announcement was made at the closeout ceremony of the Jigawa State Government/Gavi PHC-MoU, held at Government House, Dutse.

UNICEF Nigeria’s Chief of Health, Dr. Shyam Sharan Pathak, speaking on behalf of UNICEF Country Representative, Ms. Cristian Munduate, highlighted Jigawa’s achievements since signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Gavi.

Between March 2022 and March 2025, the state:
Increased measles vaccination rates
Expanded Antenatal Care (ANC) coverage fivefold
Boosted skilled birth attendance (SBA) fourfold
Reduced Under-5 mortality from 213 to 161 per 1,000 live births

UNICEF Calls for Sustained Progress

Ensuring Long-Term Healthcare Gains
Ms. Munduate urged the Jigawa State Government to sustain these improvements by:
Retaining trained healthcare professionals
Maintaining medical equipment
Strengthening outreach programs
Enhancing data management for better decision-making

Governor Malam Umar Namadi, accompanied by his deputy Engr. Aminu Usman reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to preserving and expanding the healthcare gains achieved through the Gavi-UNICEF partnership.

He acknowledged key accomplishments, including:

• Reduction in maternal mortality
• Improved access to primary healthcare facilities
• Strengthened healthcare workforce
• Expanded vaccination coverage