SOKOTO STATE GOVERNMENT, UNFPA DISSEMINATE EMONC ASSESSMENT REPORT, REAFFIRM COMMITMENT TO REDUCING MATERNAL AND NEWBORN MORTALITY
The Sokoto State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has organized the dissemination of the Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) Assessment Report, providing a platform for stakeholders to assess the performance of emergency obstetric and newborn care services, review key findings, identify existing gaps and develop clear policy directions for improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in the state.
The event, held at Sokoto Guest Inn, was attended by heads of relevant health agencies, development partners, representatives of UN agencies, legislators, local government authorities, health professionals and other relevant stakeholders, reflecting a broad commitment towards strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services across the state.
Speaking at the occasion,
the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr Faruk Umar Abubakar, said the event provided an important opportunity to assess performance, evaluate contributions and outcomes, and review the findings with a view to setting clear policies and priorities for the coming years.
The Commissioner noted that Sokoto State had previously recorded impressive performance in the health sector, placing the state among the leading-performing states in various health indicators.
He assured that the Ministry would continue to intensify its efforts towards improving healthcare delivery and sustaining the gains already recorded.
Dr Faruk highlighted progress made in areas including immunization coverage, reduction of maternal mortality and enhancement of antenatal care services, while emphasizing the importance of identifying existing gaps and addressing them through evidence-based interventions.
He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of development partners to the development of the health sector in Sokoto State, noting that their technical and financial support had complemented government efforts in achieving improved health outcomes.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Sokoto State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Honourable Kabiru Dauda Gada, commended the Sokoto State Government, Ministry of Health and development partners for their continued efforts towards strengthening the health sector.
He assured the Ministry of the necessary legislative support to sustain progress and ensure the effective implementation of policies and interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery across the state.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA reprentative Dr Audu Alayende, the UNFPA Lead for Sokoto State Dr Rabiatu Sageer, described the event as an important step towards “moving from evidence to action.” She explained that the activity was designed to share evidence-based findings, identify critical infrastructure, human resource and supply across the 23 Local Government Areas, secure policy and financial commitments, and promote greater synergy, coordination and coverage among development partners.
She commended the Honourable Commissioner of Health for his leadership and commitment to the development of the health sector in Sokoto State.
In his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi, mni, commended development partners for their continued technical support and called for stronger collaboration among all stakeholders to sustain the gains recorded and address remaining challenges in the health sector.
Representatives of UNICEF, WHO and SOGON commended the initiative and pledged continued support and collaboration with the Sokoto State Government towards strengthening maternal and newborn healthcare services.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Tambuwal Local Government Area and Chairman of ALGON, Sokoto State, Alhaji Abba Shehu, called for greater attention to the provision and upgrading of health facilities in rural areas to ensure that quality healthcare services are accessible to underserved communities.
The dissemination of the EmONC Assessment Report is expected to strengthen evidence-based planning, improve coordination among stakeholders and guide policy and investment decisions towards addressing identified gaps in emergency obstetric and newborn care services across Sokoto State.
The Sokoto State Government, through the Ministry of Health, reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with UNFPA, other development partners, local government authorities, legislators and relevant stakeholders to translate the findings of the assessment into concrete actions that will further improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in the state.
Bashiru Garba
Public Relation Officer
Ministry of Health
Sokoto State
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