Lawal's foresight and bravery are a genuine source of inspiration, says UNICEF

Zamfara state received recognition as the top-performing state in primary healthcare delivery within the north-west geopolitical zone on December 13, 2025.

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This distinction was formally announced at the 2025 PHC Leadership Challenge Awards, which took place in Abuja, honouring Governors who have demonstrated strong leadership and made notable investments in Primary Health Care.

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The 2025 PHC Leadership Challenge Awards were established to acknowledge and reward exceptional commitment to primary healthcare, with the challenge itself having been launched by the Nigerian Governors Forum in 2022.

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The initiative is backed by a coalition of prominent organizations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, the Dangote Foundation, and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, all working together to promote sustainable health financing and strengthen primary healthcare delivery.

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Zamfara state's achievement was rewarded with a $500,000 prize, bestowed upon it for its outstanding performance in the north-west zone of the challenge.

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Cristian Munduate, Representative of UNICEF Nigeria, offered praise for the winning states, stating that their leadership has shown remarkable courage, vision, and dedication, inspiring others through their commitment to improving Primary Health Care.

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According to Munduate, the winning states' efforts have yielded significant and positive impacts on the lives of their constituents, particularly women, girls, and children, demonstrating the effectiveness of their approach to primary healthcare.

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Munduate also highlighted Borno State's notable achievement, emphasizing the importance of strategic investment and collaboration in creating a healthier future for Nigeria, and congratulated all the winners on their exemplary commitment to Primary Health Care.