In a significant move to enhance maternal and child healthcare, the Sokoto State Government has distributed essential drugs and Mama Kits to all 23 Local Government Areas of the State, aimed at improving healthcare services for pregnant women and newborn babies across the State.
Speaking at the distribution ceremony in Sokoto, Governor Ahmed Aliyu emphasized that the health and well-being of mothers and children remain a top priority of his administration. He noted that the provision of Mama Kits, which contain essential childbirth supplies such as antiseptics, sterile gloves, delivery mats, and baby care items, will help ensure safer deliveries, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities is limited.
He said the State government has expended over N1.5 billion on the purchase of essential drugs including tonics, under-5 children drugs, as well as chlorine gels
“By equipping our healthcare centers with essential drugs and Mama Kits, we are ensuring that no woman has to give birth under unsafe conditions due to a lack of basic supplies,” Governor Aliyu stated.
He assured that his administration will continue to invest in the health sector, with a focus on upgrading primary healthcare centers, recruiting more healthcare workers, and providing free medical services for pregnant women and children under five.
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Governor Aliyu warned Local Government Council Chairmen against diversion of the drugs as the government will deal decisively with any official found sabotaging the effort. “I also called on security Agencies in the Local Government Areas to be vigilant and stop any move to divert these drugs.”
The Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa directed the Local Government councils to set up Committees that would monitor the distribution of the purchased drugs.
He charged them to desist from keeping the drugs in their stores when the people needed them.
On his part ,the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Dadi Adare said the Ministry has enough drugs in stock that can last for a long period.
He commended Governor Aliyu for giving the Ministry the deserved attention, and assured him of the Ministry’s readiness to ensure that the Local Government councils lived up to expectations.
The distribution of the drugs and Mama Kits is expected to positively impact thousands of women and newborns across Sokoto State, improving health outcomes and reinforcing government’s commitment to quality healthcare for all.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
