Federal Government Raises Concerns Over High Newborn Mortality Rate in Sokoto State
The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the alarming rates of maternal and infant mortality in Sokoto State, revealing that 44 out of 100 newborns in the state do not survive. Salma Ibrahim, the Special Adviser in charge of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Health, highlighted this troubling statistic during a courtesy visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu.
According to Ibrahim, Sokoto State bears the highest burden of maternal and infant deaths in the country. She emphasized the need for localized solutions to address this critical issue and recommended a collaborative effort between the federal and state governments.
Ibrahim also noted that a significant percentage of pregnant women in the state, approximately 73%, either lack access to or choose not to undergo antenatal care, contributing to the high mortality rates. She stressed the importance of antenatal care in identifying and addressing potential complications during pregnancy.
While acknowledging an increase in family planning initiatives in Sokoto State, Ibrahim highlighted its positive impact on reducing maternal deaths. She urged the state to explore comprehensive strategies to identify and address the root causes behind women not delivering in hospitals.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu assured the Presidential Advisory Committee on Health of the state’s commitment to working collaboratively to find solutions and reduce maternal and infant mortality rates. He pledged the state’s support for initiatives aimed at improving the health outcomes of women and children.
