The special adviser to the president on health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim-Anas has called upon the Sokoto State government to spearhead the implementation of indigenous solutions for sustainable maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The briefing, held over the weekend, emphasised the urgent need for political commitment to swiftly reduce maternal and newborn deaths in the state.
Addressing key findings from the NDHS 2018 and MICS 2021, which exposed preventable causes behind a significant number of maternal and newborn deaths, Ibrahim-Anas urged Sokoto to assume the role of the chief advocate and champion for the state. She encouraged the exploration of actions targeting key drivers and social determinants associated with the high rates of maternal and newborn deaths.
Stressing President Bola Tinubu’s unwavering dedication to healthcare delivery and Universal Health Coverage, she underscored the importance of prioritising maternal health. Notably, Sokoto’s selection to focus on accelerating the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths was highlighted, emphasising the urgency of this initiative.
Ibrahim-Anas proposed a comprehensive two-pronged approach, advocating for state-led and homegrown solutions tailored to local contexts and sociocultural determinants. She concluded by urging Sokoto State to make a resolute commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality, emphasising the pivotal roles of government leadership and community involvement in achieving this paramount goal.
