Gov Aliyu Moves to Make Childbirth Safer for Women

(Governor of Sokoto State Ahmed Aliyu. Photo by Nation News)

The Sokoto State Government intends to introduce free delivery kits for pregnant women accessing public health facilities across the state as a strategy to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.

Health Commissioner Dr Faruk Abubakar revealed this plan on Monday during the presentation of the Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care assessment report in Sokoto.

The government will also install solar-powered lighting systems in labour and maternity units and enhance antenatal care offerings to tackle factors contributing to maternal and infant d£ath.

Abubakar noted that while Sokoto has achieved positive outcomes in several health metrics, including increased immunisation rates and declining maternal and child mortality figures, significant work remains ahead.

The commissioner highlighted the state's focus on addressing three critical delays affecting maternal survival: postponement in seeking medical care, inability to reach healthcare facilities promptly, and insufficient treatment provision upon arrival.

He characterised the assessment dissemination as an essential platform for sector participants to evaluate health system performance, identify weaknesses, optimise budgeting and enhance cooperation among state bodies and international partners.

Abubakar stressed that dependable health data underpins sound planning and transparency, with Sokoto planning to leverage assessment findings to develop targeted health policies and initiatives.

He reported that Sokoto has implemented over 60 per cent of resolutions adopted by the National Health Council, positioning the state among those leading implementation of nationwide health frameworks.

However, inadequate financial safeguards and limited investment in health system strengthening remain persistent obstacles requiring sustained attention.

The commissioner appealed to development organisations focused on maternal health to integrate maternal mortality reduction into their Sokoto operations.

Sokoto State ALGON Chairman Abba Shehu advocated for programme expansion across all 23 local government areas, particularly rural localities where maternal healthcare challenges are most acute.

He noted that the core issues manifest at the grassroots level rather than the state capital and called for broader engagement of traditional leaders and community representatives.

He pledged that local government administrators would back maternal and newborn health improvement programmes.

Sokoto State House of Assembly Health Committee Chairman Kabiru Dauda committed legislative backing, assuring continued passage and support of statutes and measures safeguarding pregnant women and children and enhancing healthcare accessibility.

UNFPA Sokoto Field Office representative Dr Rabi Sagir described the assessment as moving beyond statistical presentation toward evidence-based action.

The exercise aims to pinpoint infrastructure, personnel and commodity shortages impeding Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care across the 23 councils.

Stakeholders would work to secure fiscal and policy commitments from state authorities, development organisations and other actors to embed improvement strategies into operational and financial frameworks.

Sagir underscored the exercise's role in fostering coordination among development partners in executing recommendations to strengthen maternal and newborn care, urging participants to convert assessment insights into practical measures enhancing EmONC service availability, calibre and reach throughout Sokoto State.