Sokoto to tackle maternal mortality, plans free delivery kits, solar lights

The Sokoto State Government is launching new initiatives aimed at significantly reducing maternal and newborn mortality across the state. Key among these plans is the provision of free delivery kits for women giving birth in public health facilities. Additionally, the government intends to equip labour rooms and maternity units with solar lighting.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, announced these measures, emphasizing the government's commitment to strengthening antenatal care services. These efforts are designed to tackle the persistent challenges that contribute to maternal and infant deaths. Abubakar acknowledged that while Sokoto has seen improvements in health indicators, including immunisation coverage and a gradual decline in mortality rates, substantial work remains.

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We are committed to addressing the three delays responsible for maternal mortality. These include delays in seeking medical attention, delays in reaching health facilities and delays in receiving adequate medical attention.

Dr. Abubakar highlighted the government's focus on addressing the "three delays" that contribute to maternal mortality: delays in seeking medical attention, delays in reaching health facilities, and delays in receiving adequate medical care. The dissemination of the Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care assessment report serves as a platform for stakeholders to evaluate the health sector's performance, identify gaps, and improve resource allocation and coordination.

While Sokoto is recognized as a leading state in implementing national health policies, challenges persist, particularly concerning inadequate financial protection and the need for deeper investment and reforms. The ALGON Chairman for Sokoto State, Abba Shehu, urged for the expansion of these programs to all 23 local government areas, stressing the critical need to reach rural communities where maternal healthcare challenges are most acute. Local government chairmen have pledged their support for initiatives aimed at improving maternal healthcare.

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The problem we are discussing is at the local government level. You cannot find all these problems in the state capital. We need to extend this programme across the 23 local governments so that we can have a wider campaign involving district heads, village heads and community leaders.