The Sokoto State Government has announced new measures aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality, including the provision of free delivery kits for women giving birth in public health facilities and the installation of solar lighting in labour rooms and maternity units.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Abubakar, disclosed the plans on Monday during the dissemination of the Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) assessment report in Sokoto.
According to the Commissioner, the free delivery kits will be made available to women delivering in public health facilities across the state. In addition, solar lighting will be provided for labour rooms and maternity units to ensure safer deliveries, particularly during night-time hours when power supply challenges are common.
Dr. Abubakar also stated that the government would strengthen antenatal care services as part of a comprehensive approach to addressing factors contributing to maternal and infant deaths.
He noted that while Sokoto State has recorded progress in key health indicators including improved immunisation coverage and a gradual decline in maternal and child mortality rates more work remains to be done.
“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,” the Commissioner said.
Speaking at the event, the Sokoto State Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Abba Shehu, called for the extension of the programme to all 23 local government areas, with particular focus on rural communities where maternal healthcare challenges remain most acute.
“The problem we are discussing is at the local government level,” Shehu stated, emphasising the need for broader coverage to reach underserved populations.
The initiative forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts under Governor Ahmed Aliyu to improve maternal and child health outcomes through enhanced infrastructure, better service delivery, and targeted interventions in public health facilities.