Kwara records 81% drop in under-5 mortality
Kwara State has achieved a remarkable reduction in under-5 mortality rates, dropping from 74 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2018 to just 14 per 1,000 in 2023.
This noteworthy development was announced by the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, at the national steering committee meeting of the European Union Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) programme held in Ilorin.
Dr. El-Imam described the reduction as a significant milestone for maternal and child health in the state, attributing much of the success to the collaboration with the EU and UNICEF.
She stated, “Despite the gains, we are aware that some mothers and children still die from preventable causes. This remains unacceptable,” emphasizing the urgent need to address the underlying factors contributing to maternal and child mortality.
The meeting gathered key stakeholders, including representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, UNICEF, UNFPA, and youth leaders, to assess the progress and future direction of the EU-SARAH initiative across the three SAK states: Sokoto, Adamawa, and Kwara.
Dr. El-Imam highlighted that the EU-SARAH initiative is crucial and aligns with the state’s commitment to enhancing healthcare access, particularly for women, girls, and children.
The program aims to improve reproductive health services and tackle maternal and adolescent health challenges in Nigeria.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Coordinating Minister for Social Welfare, reiterated the federal government’s dedication to improving reproductive and adolescent health services nationwide.
Represented by Dr. John Ovuoraye, he shared a four-point agenda focused on enhancing governance, health outcomes, healthcare value chains, and security.
Pate stressed, “These priorities are designed to transform Nigeria’s healthcare system and reduce maternal mortality, especially in the SAK states.”
Dr. Fatimah Gohar, UNICEF’s representative in Nigeria, reiterated the organization’s commitment to the initiative, emphasizing its importance in addressing gaps in reproductive and adolescent health care, especially in underserved areas.
Similarly, Abbigail Msemburi, head of the UNFPA Lagos office, reaffirmed UNFPA’s commitment to broadening access to sexual and reproductive health services throughout the country.
Source: LEADERSHIP
