To strengthen data collection, documentation, and application by local government staff, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has distributed laptops and some related information and communication technology (ICT) accessories to the 14 local government areas of Zamfara State.
This was disclosed by UNICEF official Maryam SSaidat a one-day information dissemination meeting for 2023 SoKaZa SMART Survey in Sokoto.
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She said the procurement was made possible through the kind financial support from the USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) for the integrated nutrition programme in Zamfara State.
“Equally, I would like to express my appreciation to the state government through the Zamfara State Primary Healthcare Board for providing the enabling environment and financial support for the various integrated programmes targeting the vulnerable population in the state”, she added.
She reiterated UNICEF’s commitment and support in ensuring that no child was left behind in the collective efforts in ensuring children grow and develop to their full potential through adequate health and nutrition programmes, improved data and information management in the state.
Sa’id charged the stakeholders at the meeting to make use of the findings of the SMART Survey and IPC Report, as well as stressed the need for effective use of the ICT equipment for the intended purposes only.
“These would ultimately dovetail into improved service delivery and achievement of results for children”, she explained.
In his welcome address, the executive secretary of the Zamfara State Primary Healthcare Board, Hussain Yakubu, expressed appreciation to UNICEF and other international donors for their support.
He said the malnutrition survey was conducted in 12 of the 14 local government areas.
The executive secretary reiterated the commitment of the state government to extend all necessary support and cooperation to the UNICEF programmes to achieve the set objective.