To boost maternal and child healthcare, Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has distributed essential drugs and Mama Kits to all 23 local councils of the state. The gesture is aimed at improving healthcare services for pregnant women and newborn babies across the state. 

Speaking at the distribution ceremony in Sokoto, Aliyu emphasized that the health and well-being of mothers and children remain a top priority of his administration.

He noted that the provision of Mama Kits, which contain essential childbirth supplies such as antiseptics, sterile gloves, delivery mats, and baby care items, will help ensure safer deliveries, particularly in rural areas where access to medical facilities is limited.

He added that the state government has expended over N1.5b on the purchase of drugs, which included; Essential drugs , Antihelntic and Hem tonic drugs ,under five children drugs, Mothers and children drugs as well as Misoprostol and Chlrohixidine gel.

He said: “This initiative is part of our broader healthcare improvement strategy, which seeks to strengthen maternal and child health services across the state. By equipping our healthcare centers with essential drugs and Mama Kits, we are ensuring that no woman has to give birth under unsafe conditions due to a lack of basic supplies.”

He further assured that his administration would continue to invest in the health sector, with a focus on upgrading primary healthcare centers, recruiting more healthcare workers, and providing free medical services for pregnant women and children under five.

“At this juncture, I would like to warn local council chairmen against diversion of these drugs, as government would deal decisively with any council chairman found sabotaging this effort. I also call on security agencies in our councils to be vigilant and stop any move to divert these drugs, “ he warned.

In his remarks, the  Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, directed the local councils to set up committees that would monitor the distribution of the purchased drugs. He further charged them to desist from keeping the drugs in their stores when their people need them. 

In his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Dadi Adare said the ministry had enough drugs in stock that could last a longer period of time.

He commended Aliyu for giving the ministry the deserve attention ,  and  assured him of the ministry’s readiness to ensure that the councils lived up to expectations.

Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of the drugs and Mama Kits to some selected local councils by dignitaries at the occasion. 

In his vote of thanks,the ALGON Chairman Alhaji Abba Shehu  Tambuwal thanked Aliyu for the initiative, which he said would  help greatly in improving the healthcare services in the state. 

The distribution of the drugs and Mama Kits is expected to positively impact thousands of women and newborns across Sokoto State, improving health outcomes and reinforcing government commitment to quality healthcare for all.