Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, the Special Adviser to the President on Health, urged the Sokoto State government to adopt locally crafted solutions for sustainable enhancements in maternal and newborn health outcomes.
During a briefing to Governor Alhaji Ahmed Ali on the Acceleration of Reduction of Maternal and Newborn Deaths, Ibrahim-Anas emphasized the need for heightened political commitment to expedite the reduction of maternal and newborn mortality rates in the state.
“Lead as the Chief Advocate and Champion for the State and Explore actions of key drivers and social determinants of plus root causes associated with high maternal and newborn deaths in the State,” she said.
While speaking further, she reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to improve access to health care delivery in Nigeria through realisation of the UHC leaving No one Behind.
She also disclosed that the President endorsed 8 priority areas as recommended by the Presidential Advisory Council (PAC) on Health to reform the health sector for better performance and a major contributor to National Development and Job creation.
“This Presidential initiative on Acceleration of Reduction of Maternal Deaths is critical and integral towards attainment of our UHC aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
“Sokoto is one of the few states selected to focus on Accelerating Reduction of Maternal Newborn deaths project,” she said.
On the reason to focus on the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths, the Special Adviser said the situation, as demonstrated by NDHS 2018 and MICS 2021, revealed that the high burden of maternal and newborn deaths.
According to her, it has been proven to be beneficial as the majority of the deaths associated with pregnancy, childbirth and post-delivery as well as deaths related to the newborns are preventable (almost by 90%) using simple health interventions.
“It is a quick win to attain UHC and strengthens HSS, Improves physical and mental wellbeing and productivity of individuals, families and communities and also a political score that are palpable and demonstrable within the shortest period.”
“It is a two prong-approach that focuses on State Led and Homegrown solutions. Explore local contexts, existing strengths, key social-cultural determinants, and use deployment of home-grown solutions for sustainable health outcomes,” she added.
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