NIGERIA: Canada Promises N3.15 Billion for Maternal Health in the Country
Leadership reported on 1 June that Canada has promised to spend $21m (about N3.15b) over five years to accelerate the reduction of maternal and child death in Nigeria. The promise was made at the recently concluded G-8 Summit in Deauville, France, where the Canadian Prime Minister, Stephen Harper, announced the new health plan as part of the Canadian-led Muskoka Initiative launched at the G-8 Summit in June 2010. "We are very pleased to support this initiative," said Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Chris Cooter. "Stronger health systems will allow Nigeria to prosper and to fulfill its full potential as a regional and economic leader." The project will be implemented by the United Nations Health 4 group (UNFPA, UNICEF, WHO and the World Bank). The group is led by UNICEF. Read: Leadership