By Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The Sokoto State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening collaboration with Nutrition International to improve the health and well-being of residents, particularly women and children.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu gave the assurance while receiving a delegation from Nutrition International, led by its Country Director, Dr. Osita Okonkwo, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Sokoto.
The governor highlighted key investments and achievements of his administration in the health sector, noting that the government remains committed to deepening partnerships with development organisations to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.
According to him, over 100 nurses and midwives have been recruited and deployed across the state, with an additional incentive of 10 percent of their basic salaries to boost morale and productivity.
He further disclosed that the government has recruited 2,400 community health workers to ensure adequate staffing of Primary Healthcare Centres.
“Our administration prioritises the well-being of women, children, and vulnerable groups. Tackling malnutrition and childhood diseases is central to our strategy for holistic human capital development,” the governor said.
Governor Aliyu described the support from Nutrition International as invaluable, stressing that no investment in healthcare is too much.
“I assure our development partners and civil society organisations that all funds allocated to the health sector will be judiciously utilised to address malnutrition, diarrhoea, stunted growth, and other health challenges,” he added.
Earlier, the Country Director of Nutrition International, Dr. Osita Okonkwo, emphasised that investment in nutrition goes beyond health, describing it as a critical driver of education, economic growth, and long-term prosperity.
“Since 2007, Nutrition International has supported Sokoto State with about 2.1 million Vitamin A capsules annually, distributed to under-five children during Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week,” he said.
He noted that the intervention, valued at over ₦100 million annually, has significantly contributed to reducing child morbidity and mortality.
Dr. Okonkwo also revealed that between 2022 and 2025, the organisation provided 126,000 Zinc and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) co-packs through its in-kind donation programme.
“In addition, we recently procured over 45,000 co-packs as seed stock to support the treatment of diarrhoea among under-five children, a leading cause of child mortality,” he added.
He attributed the successes recorded to strong partnerships and support from the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada, as well as funding from GiveWell Philanthropy.
Dr. Okonkwo further disclosed that the organisation is working closely with the Sokoto State Ministry of Health to expand Vitamin A supplementation coverage across all communities in the state.
“Our goal is to reach every eligible child and reduce the high stunting rates reported in the 2023 National Demographic and Health Survey,” he said.
While acknowledging the importance of external support, he stressed that sustainable progress depends on increased domestic investment, strong leadership, and coordinated multi-sectoral efforts to tackle malnutrition.
