The Presidency has called on the Sokoto State Government to inject the highest level of political commitment to accelerate the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths in the state.
This was as it tasked the state to implement homegrown solutions for sustainable and improved maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The Special Adviser to the President on Health, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, who said these at a media briefing in Abuja, reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improving access to health care delivery in Nigeria through realisation of the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
She also disclosed that the President endorsed eight priority areas as recommended by the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) on Health to reform the health sector for better performance.
According to her, this is a major contributor to national development and job creation.
“This Presidential Initiative on Acceleration of Reduction of Maternal Deaths is critical and integral towards attainment of our UHC aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Sokoto is one of the few states selected to focus on Accelerating Reduction of Maternal Newborn Deaths Project,” she said
The special adviser said, situation, as demonstrated by NDHS 2018 and MICS 2021, revealed the high burden of maternal and newborn deaths
She said it has been proven to be beneficial as the majority of the deaths associated with pregnancy, childbirth and post-delivery as well as deaths related to newborns are preventable (almost by 90%), using simple health interventions.
“It is a quick win to attain UHC and strengthens HSS, improves physical and mental wellbeing and productivity of individuals, families and communities and also a political score that is palpable and demonstrable within the shortest period,” she added.
SOURCE: Vanguard