A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Nurse Nagipekoi Aaron Ali, has transformed the paediatric ward of the 17 Brigade Medical Centre, Katsina.

The child-friendly facility was inaugurated on Saturday by the Commander, 17 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ishaya Ibrahim.

Ali, an indigene of Adamawa serving at the medical centre, said the initiative aimed to create a welcoming environment for young patients.

She said the colourful redesign would help reduce children’s fear and anxiety associated with hospital visits, while supporting their emotional well-being.

According to her, hospitals should provide not only medical treatment but also environments that promote healing, hope and comfort.

Ali quoted Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, as saying: “The very first requirement in a hospital is that it should do the sick no harm.”

She said the decorations, educational illustrations and vibrant colours were carefully selected to help children feel safer and more relaxed during treatment.

Ali added that positive healthcare environments could significantly contribute to children’s recovery and overall hospital experience.

She holds a Bachelor of Nursing Science from Garden City University College, Kumasi, Ghana, and a Master’s degree in Public Health from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

Ibrahim commended Ali for her creativity, compassion and dedication to improving healthcare services at the medical centre.

He described the project as a demonstration of selfless service and innovation that complemented the Nigerian Army’s efforts to improve patient welfare.

The commander reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to supporting impactful initiatives by NYSC members serving in its formations, adding that such interventions would also strengthen civil-military relations.

Stakeholders at the inauguration described the project as a valuable contribution to paediatric healthcare at the medical centre.