Zamfara State has been plagued by recurring violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings, often attributed to armed bandits, leaving residents in a state of fear and insecurity.
In a landmark move to bridge healthcare gaps for the state’s most needy, the 14 Local Government Councils of Zamfara have committed over N1 billion to the Zamfara State Health Contributory Management Agency (ZAMCHEMA).
This funding will unlock free medical services for 89,232 poor and vulnerable individuals across all 147 political wards, targeting families who often forgo essential care due to financial barriers.
The announcement, detailed in a joint statement shared with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) here on Saturday, underscores a collaborative effort to advance universal health coverage in one of Nigeria’s most underserved regions.
The document was co-signed by key figures including State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ahmad Yandi; Chairman of the Zamfara Chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Alhaji Sama’ila Moriki; and Michael Juma, Chief of the UNICEF Sokoto Field Office.
This initiative emerged from a two-day advocacy workshop in Birnin Kebbi, where UNICEF and the local councils hashed out strategies for domestic resource mobilization to expand health benefits for informal sector workers.
The N1 billion infusion will cover capitation fees, ensuring seamless access to basic healthcare without out-of-pocket costs.
“In a bid to augment the donors’ funding gap towards achieving Universal Health Coverage in Zamfara, the Local Government Councils of the State have committed to invest N1 billion to be paid to the State Health Contributory Management Agency (ZAMCHEMA),” the statement declared.
Beneficiaries—representing two percent of those listed in the National Social Register of the poor and vulnerable—will be drawn from communities statewide.
The program prioritizes the most at-risk groups: children under five, adolescents, orphans, pregnant women, people with disabilities, and the elderly. By focusing on these demographics, officials aim to curb preventable illnesses, reduce maternal and child mortality, and foster long-term community resilience.
“This is part of a broader efforts to assist those who lack the financial means to access the basic healthcare services,” the statement added, highlighting the program’s role in tackling systemic inequities.
Further emphasizing the investment’s potential impact, the document stated: “This substantial investment is aimed at achieving better health outcomes for the poorest and most vulnerable individuals in Zamfara.”
Once a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is greenlit by Governor Dauda Lawal and the State Ministry of Justice, the rollout could begin swiftly. Formal signatures from the Commissioner for Local Government, ALGON Chairman, and ZAMCHEMA representatives will seal the deal, paving the way for immediate service delivery.
This partnership not only amplifies UNICEF’s support but also signals a growing resolve among local leaders to prioritize health as a cornerstone of development. As Zamfara inches closer to universal coverage, this N1 billion pledge could serve as a blueprint for other states grappling with similar challenges. (NAN)
