From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has distributed multimillion-naira assorted reproductive health equipment and essential medicines to 23 local government areas in a bid to reduce maternal mortality in the state.
The items were distributed to 23 high-burden Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and 23 other PHCs to enhance free and quality healthcare delivery across the state.
The event was flagged off by the Wife of the State Governor, Dr. Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, on Thursday in Sokoto.
According to her, the state government remains fully committed to the protection of women and children, noting that her husband has pledged quality healthcare services under his 9-Point Smart Agenda.
She said, “There can be no meaningful development without a healthy society.”
The First Lady also urged health personnel to uphold the highest ethical standards in the discharge of their responsibilities.
She further called on security agencies and traditional rulers to safeguard the items, warning that anyone found diverting them would be apprehended and brought to justice.
Dr. Fatima Ahmed Aliyu also appealed to husbands to allow their wives to attend antenatal clinics and deliver in health facilities.
She commended Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her unwavering support for women and children nationwide, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
Dr. Fatima Ahmed Aliyu further acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Health and the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency in ensuring the successful implementation of the 9-Point Smart Agenda.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, said the journey so far has been remarkable, adding that all health facilities in the state are now fully functional.
He said women, children, and other vulnerable groups across the 23 local government areas of Sokoto State are receiving free and quality medical care.
According to him, all hospitals and health facilities at various levels have been made fully functional, with no fewer than 160 PHCs renovated.
Dr. Abubakar added that Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto has fully revitalized secondary and tertiary health institutions, noting that this has led to a reduction in maternal mortality through improved safe deliveries.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare Development, Dr. Muhammad Bello Marnona, said the landmark event aligns with the 9-Point Smart Agenda of Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto.
He said the governor has promised to improve healthcare services across the state and is fulfilling that promise.
According to him, apart from rehabilitating 23 general hospitals, no fewer than two-thirds of the 800 PHCs in the state have been upgraded to become fully functional.
Dr. Marnona also disclosed that no fewer than 2,000 additional nurses and midwives were recruited into the state’s healthcare system in 2025.