By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu, YOBE
YOBE: In a landmark move to improve child healthcare in northeastern Nigeria, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has officially handed over an N800 million pediatric complex to the Yobe State Government. The 80-bed ultra-modern facility, located within the Yobe State Specialist Hospital in Damaturu, is expected to significantly boost maternal and child health services across the state.
Designed to address the critical health needs of children under five, especially those suffering from malnutrition and conflict-related vulnerabilities, the facility is equipped with state-of-the-art medical infrastructure. It includes a pediatric pharmacy, kitchen, laundry, and a vibrant play area to ensure a child-friendly healing environment.
Mohamedoun Ag Mohamed, Head of Sub-Delegation of ICRC in Damaturu, who handed over the facility, emphasized the importance of the project in supporting communities ravaged by insecurity and food scarcity.
“This center symbolizes the life-saving interventions provided to communities grappling with the effects of armed conflict and food security,” he stated, adding that it will help scale up nutrition and medical care for the most at-risk children.
Moussa Badji, Health Coordinator at ICRC Abuja Delegation, highlighted the transformative nature of such interventions.
“Children and mothers arrive in critical condition and leave healthier, stronger, and with restored hope,” he said.
Representing Governor Mai Mala Buni at the ceremony, the Yobe State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Muhammad Lawan Gana, expressed gratitude to the ICRC and assured that the government would maximize the use of the facility to serve the health needs of its people.
“This pediatric center is a significant step toward ensuring that children in Yobe receive the quality care they deserve. We remain committed to working with international partners to strengthen our healthcare delivery,” Gana said.
The facility is expected to become a key referral center for severe pediatric cases, especially those involving malnutrition, offering inpatient services and boosting survival outcomes in a region still healing from years of insurgency.