Umar Idris Shuaibu, Kano
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to completely eradicating maternal mortality, rather than merely reducing it.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, made this known during the Partners Coordination Forum (PCF) meeting held in Kano.
The PCF, an initiative introduced by the commissioner, aims to unify all development partners working in the state’s health sector under one coordinated framework to eliminate duplication of efforts.
Read Also:
Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure: From Medicine to Governance, A Journey of Impact
Dr. Labaran emphasized the state government’s dedication to transforming the healthcare system, citing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s strong political will and proactive approach. In just one and a half years, the administration has renovated numerous secondary healthcare facilities and awarded contracts for the renovation of over 200 primary health centers.
He highlighted that these efforts align with the government’s policy of ensuring excellent service delivery in both primary and secondary healthcare facilities, with a special focus on maternal and child health. The ultimate goal, he stated, is to prevent maternal and neonatal mortality.
Expressing concern over statistics indicating that over 70% of women in Kano State opt for home deliveries assisted by traditional birth attendants instead of seeking hospital care, Dr. Labaran said, “Many women perceive childbirth in their matrimonial homes as safer due to a lack of confidence in the healthcare system.”
To address this, he stressed, the government is actively renovating hospitals and improving primary healthcare facilities, aiming to establish at least one fully functional primary health center in every ward across Kano State.
Dr. Labaran reiterated that the administration’s goal is to “crash maternal mortality to zero,” asserting that achieving this is possible through collective efforts and proper coordination.
“We have the resources, and we expect substantial support from the federal government and development partners. All partners working to eliminate maternal mortality must align with this vision. Our strategy is simple: one project, one budget, one outcome,” he stated.
Read Also:
The commissioner also underscored the importance of transparency and accountability in implementing healthcare programs. He warned that the era where partners independently execute projects at the local government or facility level without coordination is over under the present administration.
At the end of the meeting, development partners reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Kano State Government in its mission to achieve zero maternal mortality.
The statement was signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi Information Officer, Ministry of Health and made available to Good Evening Nigeria.
