Sokoto First Lady Flags Off Distribution of Essential Drugs, Health Equipment
Sokoto First Lady Flags Off Distribution of Essential Drugs, Health Equipment
From Shehu M Wamakko
The Wife of the Sokoto State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Ahmad Aliyu, has flagged off the distribution of sexual and reproductive health equipment and essential medicines to health facilities across the state, in a renewed effort to improve maternal and child healthcare.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hajiya Fatima said the initiative underscores the state government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of women and children, particularly in rural communities.
She expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the opportunity to witness the programme, describing it as a critical step toward strengthening healthcare delivery in the state.
“As a mother, I understand deeply what this moment represents. It gives me great pride to champion this initiative aimed at protecting our women and children,” she said.
The First Lady noted that the administration of Governor Dr. Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto has placed healthcare at the center of its nine-point smart innovative agenda, stressing that sustainable development cannot be achieved without a healthy population.
She disclosed that the exercise involves the distribution of sexual and reproductive health commodities, including family planning supplies, to 23 high-burden primary healthcare centres, alongside essential drugs to another 23 facilities across the state.
Hajiya Fatima called on health workers to remain dedicated and uphold professional ethics, while urging facility managers to ensure proper and transparent use of the commodities.
“Any diversion or misuse of these items will attract appropriate sanctions,” she warned.
She also appealed to security agencies, traditional rulers, and community leaders to support efforts in safeguarding the supplies and sensitizing families especially in rural areas on the importance of antenatal care and hospital deliveries.
The First Lady further commended the First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, for her continued support toward improving maternal and child health across the country.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umar Abubakar Wurno, said the initiative forms part of broader efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Sokoto State.
He revealed that more than 150 primary healthcare centres have been constructed or renovated, while general and tertiary health institutions are also receiving increased government attention.
Despite these efforts, he noted a gap in service utilization, stating that although 576 women attended antenatal care in 2025, only 18 percent delivered in health facilities, highlighting the need for intensified awareness campaigns.
Dr. Wurno added that the government has upgraded delivery rooms, provided essential equipment, and ensured a steady supply of medicines across health facilities.
He also emphasized the implementation of a standardized operational framework supported by the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund, aimed at improving efficiency and responsiveness at the primary healthcare level.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser on Primary Healthcare, Bello Marnona, described the event as a fulfillment of the governor’s campaign promise to revitalize the health sector.
He disclosed that Sokoto State has over 800 primary healthcare centres, 23 general hospitals, and tertiary institutions, adding that more than 2,000 health workers, including nurses and midwives, have been recruited and deployed, particularly to rural areas.
According to him, the administration’s approach focuses on improving infrastructure, strengthening human resources, and ensuring a consistent supply of essential drugs.
“Today is not just about distributing medicines; it is about restoring hope and building a healthcare system that serves every citizen, regardless of location,” he said.
The event marks another milestone in the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve outcomes for women and children across Sokoto State.
