From Muhammad Gazali Garba
The Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Ahmed Aliyu, has flagged off the distribution of sexual and reproductive health commodities, equipment, and essential medicines to health facilities across the state in a renewed drive to improve maternal and child healthcare services.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hajiya Fatima said the initiative reflects the state government’s continued commitment to safeguarding the health and wellbeing of women and children, particularly in rural communities.
She expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to witness the commencement of the programme, describing it as a significant step towards strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
“As a mother, I understand deeply what this moment represents. It gives me great pride to champion this initiative aimed at protecting our women and children,” she said.
The First Lady noted that the administration of Governor Dr Ahmed Aliyu has placed healthcare at the centre of its nine-point smart innovative agenda, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a healthy population.
She disclosed that the distribution covers sexual and reproductive health commodities, including family planning supplies, to 23 high-burden primary healthcare centres, alongside essential medicines to another 23 facilities across the state.
Hajiya Fatima urged health workers to remain dedicated to their duties and uphold professional ethics, while charging facility managers to ensure transparency and proper utilisation of the items.
“Any diversion or misuse of these items will attract appropriate sanctions,” she warned.
She also appealed to security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to support the protection of the supplies and intensify sensitisation efforts on the importance of antenatal care and skilled hospital deliveries, especially in rural areas.
The First Lady further commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her continued support in advancing maternal and child health interventions across the country.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Umar Abubakar Wurno, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Sokoto State.
He disclosed that over 150 primary healthcare centres have been constructed or renovated, while general and tertiary health facilities continue to receive sustained government attention. He added that delivery rooms have been upgraded and essential medical equipment and drugs supplied across facilities.
Dr Wurno, however, noted a gap in service utilisation, revealing that while 576 women attended antenatal care in 2025, only 18 per cent delivered in health facilities, underscoring the need for stronger community awareness and behavioural change.
He also explained that the government is implementing a standardised operational framework under the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund to enhance efficiency and service delivery at the primary healthcare level.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare, Dr Bello Marnona, described the programme as a fulfilment of the governor’s campaign promise to revitalise the health sector.
He said Sokoto State currently has over 800 primary healthcare centres, 23 general hospitals, and tertiary institutions, noting that more than 2,000 health workers, including nurses and midwives, have been recruited and deployed, particularly to rural communities.
According to him, the administration’s approach focuses on strengthening infrastructure, expanding human resources, and ensuring a steady supply of essential medicines.
“Today is not just about distributing medicines; it is about restoring hope and building a healthcare system that serves every citizen, regardless of location,” he said.
The event marks another milestone in the state government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve maternal and child health outcomes across Sokoto State.
