By Vincess Okushi
NYSC, NPC, AND UNICEF SIGN MOU ON BIRTH REGISTRATION IN NIGERIA
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the National Population Commission (NPC), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to solidify commitments to enhancing a digitalized birth registration process across the 22 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Nigeria.
At the signing of the MoU on 7 June 2023 UNICEF representative in Nigeria Cristian Munduate revealed that the new partnership is aimed at enhancing birth registration and providing a robust framework to achieve at least 12 million under-5 eligible children who will be registered as primary beneficiaries in Nigeria.
“UNICEF, a leading organization in child welfare and development, will bring its expertise to the table to support the digitalized birth registration services in focus states.
“Our primary focus will be on providing technical assistance and evidence-based interventions.
“By integrating birth registration into routine health service delivery, conducting the digitalized birth registration process, and increasing awareness through state and community-level campaigns, we aim to ensure that every child has access to and benefits from the essential health and birth registration interventions they deserve.”
On his part, the Director General NYSC, Brigadier General Yusha’u Ahmed commended the initiative and pledged his unalloyed support to achieve the vision.
“The NYSC is honored to join hands with the NPC and UNICEF in this vital initiative. Our deployment of 850 corps members as coordinators and supervisors, spread across 22 states and the FCT, will ensure effective monitoring and supervision of the birth registration process. Together, we will strive to achieve comprehensive data collection and availability, supporting increased birth registration coverage in our respective LGAs.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman of NPC Nasir Isa also learned his voice to ensure program implementation.
“As a key partner, will play a crucial role in ensuring the success of this partnership.
“We are committed to supporting the recruitment of ad hoc birth registrars at the ward level and ensuring the availability of registration materials to coordinators and supervisors.
“By distributing protocols, checklists, FAQs, and informational materials, we aim to engage local government chairpersons, traditional and religious leaders, and communities to promote the importance of birth registration. “Together, we will generate and analyze digitalized birth registration data at the LGAs and wards, ultimately increasing birth registration coverage.”
Over the years, UNICEF has been supportive of the Nigerian government, thereby providing technical and financial support in health facilities, education, and policy.
It is their belief that every child irrespective of their financial status is being attended to, to ensure a safer generation.
