|By Adejumo Adekunle –
-Kano ranks highest in maternal mortality among priority LGAs
-Gov. Yusuf introduces free maternity services, newborn kits, and CS procedures
-Health ministry pushes for better roads, deeper research to curb deaths
Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, has raised concerns over the high maternal mortality rate in the state, attributing it largely to the fact that only 30% of women give birth in hospitals.
This was revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Ministry of Health’s Information Officer, Ibrahim Abdullahi.
Dr. Labaran made the disclosure while receiving the report of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) workshop from the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Pharm. Aminu Bashir. The five-day workshop, aimed at addressing maternal deaths nationwide, identified Kano as the worst-affected state, covering 18 out of Nigeria’s 172 priority local government areas.
“One of our biggest challenges is that only 30% of women deliver in hospitals, which significantly contributes to maternal deaths. We urge pregnant women to seek medical care, as the government is committed to improving our healthcare system to achieve universal health coverage,” Dr. Labaran stated.
He highlighted Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to tackling maternal and newborn deaths, citing key initiatives such as the resumption of free maternity services and the monthly distribution of newborn welcome packages across over 60 health facilities and 63 primary healthcare centers.
“The governor has fulfilled his promise by approving free delivery kits worth millions of naira for pregnant women. Additionally, free caesarean sections (CS) have been introduced for women facing complications, all aimed at drastically reducing maternal deaths,” he added.
The commissioner also identified zero-dose immunization gaps and a high burden of diphtheria inherited by the current administration as major challenges affecting maternal health.
Dr. Labaran emphasized the importance of multi-sector collaboration, particularly in upgrading access roads to hospitals to ensure that pregnant women can reach healthcare facilities with ease.
“The ministry will carefully study the MAMII workshop recommendations and work closely with development partners to implement them effectively,” he assured.
