Presidency Urges Sokoto Govt To Prioritize Reduction Of Maternal, Newborn Deaths

Presidency Urges Sokoto Govt To Prioritize Reduction Of Maternal, Newborn Deaths

The Presidency has urged the Sokoto State Government to demonstrate the highest level of political commitment in accelerating the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths in the state……READ ALSO Presidency: Tinubu Did Not Suggest Printing Naira To Salvage Economy

This call came as the Presidency tasked the state to adopt locally developed solutions aimed at achieving sustainable and improved maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to enhancing access to healthcare delivery in Nigeria through the realization of Universal Health Coverage (UHC). She revealed that the President has endorsed eight priority areas recommended by the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) on Health to reform the health sector for better performance, emphasizing their significant contribution to national development and job creation.

Dr. Anas emphasized the critical importance of the Presidential Initiative on Accelerating Reduction of Maternal Deaths towards achieving the UHC aspirations outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting Sokoto’s selection as one of the states to focus on the Accelerating Reduction of Maternal Newborn Deaths Project.

Highlighting data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2018 and the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021, Dr. Anas revealed the alarming burden of maternal and newborn deaths in the state. She stressed that many of these deaths associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and post-delivery, as well as newborn-related deaths, are preventable, with simple health interventions proving effective in averting up to 90% of cases.

She emphasized that addressing these issues not only aligns with the goals of achieving UHC and strengthening Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) but also enhances the physical and mental well-being and productivity of individuals, families, and communities. Additionally, it presents a tangible and demonstrable political achievement within a short timeframe.