Nigeria’s Kwara and Sokoto states reaffirm health reform commitments

The Kwara State government reiterated its effort to lower teenage pregnancy and improve maternal and child health through community sensitisation, enhanced health infrastructure, primary‑care revitalisation, expanded health insurance, disease‑control programmes and initiatives such as the State Emergency Medical Services and RESMAT. The commissioner highlighted progress in malaria treatment rates and noted remaining gaps in facility‑based deliveries and post‑natal care.

In Sokoto State, officials confirmed plans to establish a dedicated Family Health Department aimed at strengthening maternal and child healthcare. The announcement followed an advocacy visit by the Presidential Special Adviser on Health, Dr Salma Anas, who cited structural gaps in service delivery and referenced similar departments already operating in Lagos and Ondo. State health officials and the NCDC director endorsed the proposal, and Governor Ahmed Aliyu pledged support for the new department.