Nwifuru Urges UNICEF to Avoid Supply of Near-Expiry Drugs to Ebonyi
By Ikenyim Eucharia-Abakaliki
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has urged the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to ensure that all drugs and medical supplies delivered to the state are well within their shelf life, warning that near-expiry items could pose serious health risks to end users.
The governor made the appeal while receiving a UNICEF advocacy delegation led by the UNICEF Nigeria Chief of Field Services, Ms. Judith Leveillee, at his office in Abakaliki.
Governor Nwifuru emphasized the importance of accurate data collection and analysis for effective programme implementation, noting that adequate manpower was required to ensure proper data gathering and informed decision-making.
“I want you to put more emphasis on the modalities of data collection and how we analyse them,” the governor said, stressing that credible data remains key to achieving desired development outcomes.
He expressed appreciation to UNICEF and its partners for their continued support to the state, describing them as “good partners” and acknowledging their contributions to health and development initiatives. The governor also called for timely delivery of supplies and stronger collaboration to improve programme outcomes.
In her remarks, Ms. Leveillee disclosed that UNICEF is proposing the construction of 2.5 million latrines across the state as part of efforts to curb open defecation, which she identified as a major contributor to cholera outbreaks.
She urged the state government to take swift action to prevent future occurrences, noting that cholera remains a serious public health concern.
“Cholera has claimed over 20,000 lives, and we can end it if the right measures are taken,” she said.
The UNICEF team lead also highlighted the organisation’s interventions targeted at vulnerable children, particularly those affected by poverty and malnutrition. She added that UNICEF has supported initiatives aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in Ebonyi State.
“In less than three years, UNICEF has invested over one million dollars across various agencies,” she disclosed.
Ms. Leveillee commended Governor Nwifuru for the ongoing healthcare reforms in the state and for the timely release of counterpart funding, describing them as critical to the success of UNICEF-supported programmes.
