PRESS RELEASE: SOKOTO STATE MINISTRY OF HEALTH INAUGURATES TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP ON MATERNAL, PERINATAL AND CHILD DEATH SURVEILLANCE AND RESPONSE

The Sokoto State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, on Friday inaugurated the Technical Working Group on Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) as part of the State Government’s commitment to reducing maternal, perinatal and child mortality.

The Commissioner, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi, mni, congratulated members of the newly inaugurated Technical Working Group and expressed confidence in their ability to discharge the responsibility entrusted to them. He assured the committee of the Ministry’s full support and cooperation to enable it to achieve its mandate effectively.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of development partners, Dr. Yusuf Argungu of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Joe Oberu of UNICEF, and Mr. Benedict Essong of UNFPA, expressed concern over the high rate of maternal mortality in Sokoto State. They reaffirmed the commitment of their respective organizations to continue supporting the Sokoto State Government in strengthening the health system and implementing interventions aimed at reversing the trend.

Earlier, the Director of Public Health, Dr. Abdulganiyu, presented the objectives, terms of reference and expected outcomes of the Technical Working Group, highlighting its critical role in improving maternal, perinatal and child health outcomes across the State.

Also, Dr. Joe Oberu of UNICEF delivered a presentation on the overview and Quality Improvement (QI) component of the MPCDSR data, emphasizing the importance of quality data in guiding evidence-based decisions and improving healthcare services.

The presentations were followed by an interactive session during which participants made valuable contributions and recommendations toward strengthening the implementation of the MPCDSR programme in Sokoto State.

The inauguration was attended by the Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHDA), Dr. Bilyaminu Balarabe Yari Sifawa, Directors from the Ministry of Health and SSPHDA, representatives of development partners, and other key stakeholders in the health sector.

The inauguration of the Technical Working Group marks another significant step by the Sokoto State Government towards improving maternal, newborn and child health and ensuring quality healthcare delivery for all citizens.

Signed:
Bashiru Garba
Public Relations Officer
Sokoto State Ministry of Health