From the Head of Mission’s Desk: From National Commitments to the Last Mile

Dear Readers,

Every story in this edition asks the same question: do our national commitments reach the last mile? The answer lies in communities and at primary healthcare centres. That is true whether the story is an Ebola alert in Abuja, routine immunisation after the MR campaign, children who eat but do not grow, local government health spending in Kebbi State, or the approach of a very strong El Niño.

There is much to encourage. The confirmed Ebola case was isolated and contact tracing has been expanded. Birnin Kebbi and Ngaski have made funding commitments to primary healthcare. NiMet confirmed El Niño’s onset early enough for families, farmers and authorities to prepare. These steps reflect leadership, and they show the value of early action and transparency.

The data also show where attention is needed. Only 55.4% of children aged 12–23 months had received a first measles dose, and 29.4% had received no vaccinations. About 40.7% of children under five are stunted. At Tungar Magaji Primary Health Care Centre in Koko/Besse, health workers are present, yet the facility lacks a functional laboratory and adequate admission beds. These are reminders that strong systems must sustain what campaigns and announcements begin.

In that spirit, we respectfully recommend that government at all levels:

• Strengthen primary healthcare centres as the foundation for immunisation, nutrition and outbreak detection, with vaccines, trained staff, equipment, laboratories and beds.
• Sustain Ebola readiness through surveillance, laboratory testing, protective equipment, training for health workers and timely public information.
• Track routine vaccination alongside campaign results, and follow up children who miss doses.
• Integrate nutrition services, including growth monitoring and counselling, with priority for rural communities and the North West.
• Link health financing to facility needs by releasing funds on time, acting on supervision findings and encouraging every LGA to disclose its expenditure.
• Turn NiMet’s forecasts into local plans for heat, water, floods and food, especially in the north.

C-WINS stands ready to support these interventions. We will continue to communicate clearly, counter rumours, engage communities and leaders, and amplify evidence so that families know what to do and where to go for help. Together with government, we can make sure protection reaches every child, mother and community.

Sincerely,

Dr. Mahmud Mustafa
Head of Mission, C-WINS