By Ibrahim Muhammad The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal mortality rates in the state....
By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal mortality rates in the state. This pledge comes on the heels of a 5-day workshop on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) held in Kano.
The MAMII project aims to reduce maternal mortality through targeted interventions in 172 priority local government areas across Nigeria's six geopolitical zones, with Kano having the highest number of LGAs at 18.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, received the workshop report and assured that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is dedicated to overcoming maternal and newborn mortality in the state.
Dr. Labaran highlighted the governor's inaugural speech, where he promised to resume free maternity services and provide welcome packages to newborns in public health facilities.
True to his word, Governor Yusuf has approved the monthly distribution of maternity kits worth millions of naira to pregnant women in over 60 health facilities and 63 primary healthcare centers across the state.
Additionally, the government has introduced free caesarean sections for women who develop complications during pregnancy, all in an effort to reduce maternal mortality.
The workshop has paved the way for the state government to conduct in-depth research into the root causes of maternal and newborn mortality in the 18 affected LGAs and the state as a whole.
Dr. Labaran expressed concern that zero-dose immunization and the high burden of diphtheria inherited by the government are significant challenges contributing to the high maternal mortality rate in Kano.
Dr. Labaran also noted that only 30% of women in Kano State deliver in hospitals, which is another contributing factor to the high maternal mortality rate.
He urged pregnant women to seek medical attention at hospitals, assuring that the government is working to upgrade health facilities to meet universal health coverage standards.
The health ministry plans to study the workshop report and implement its recommendations to reduce maternal mortality in Kano, with support from development partners.
Dr. Labaran commended the workshop organizers for their efforts in addressing the issue.
To achieve its goal, the health ministry will collaborate with relevant government agencies to upgrade access roads, which is crucial in reducing maternal and newborn mortality in Kano State.
This move is part of the government's broader strategy to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce maternal mortality rates.
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