Increase paid maternity leave to support mothers – UNICEF tells Kano govt

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has called on the Kano State Government to extend the number of paid maternity leave days to help protect the health of mothers and their babies and to support exclusive breastfeeding.

Mr. Rahama Rihood Mohammed Farah, Chief of UNICEF Field Office in Kano, made the call on Tuesday, during the flag-off of the 2025 first round of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) at Birji Primary Health Centre in Madobi Local Government Area.

Farah commended Kano State for its efforts in the health sector but urged the government to do more by supporting working mothers with additional maternity leave.

He said: “I hereby request His Excellency, the Governor of Kano State… [to] consider increasing the days of paid maternity leave in the state to protect maternal and infant health and support exclusive breastfeeding.”

Farah explained that exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months is key to a child’s healthy growth and development.

UNICEF also shared data showing that 51.9% of children in Kano are stunted, while over 10% are wasted, due to poor nutrition.

He said this makes it even more important to support mothers in giving their babies strong start in life.

Farah further urged the government to allocate more resources in 2025 for nutrition and health and conduct the second round of MNCH Week by December.

To support the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, UNICEF said it has provided enough Vitamin A supplements and multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS) to reach over 2.6 million children and about 500,000 pregnant women across the state.

Farah reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Kano State to improve the health and nutrition of women and children.

The Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo revealed that the state is committed to improving health outcomes for its people, which is why it has provided extensive support for the 2025 First Round of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).

“This includes the distribution of child immunizations, vitamin A supplements, mosquito nets for pregnant women, and antenatal care services across all 44 Local Government Areas. The state also funds seasonal malaria chemotherapy and free maternal and newborn care packages to reduce maternal mortality and improve safe deliveries,” he said.

He expressed gratitude to all partners involved, including UNICEF for their continued support in improving health outcomes across the state.