February 20, (THEWILL) – The Federal Government has partnered with the Kano State Government to eradicate polio and strengthen maternal healthcare services in the state.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, disclosed this during a visit to Kano on Thursday alongside representatives from the Gates Foundation and the Aliko Dangote Foundation.
“We are here with our partners to discuss efforts to eliminate polio and advance key investments aimed at improving the health sector in collaboration with the Kano State Government,” Pate said.
The minister raised concerns over the high rate of maternal and newborn deaths in Kano, revealing plans for federal intervention, including the establishment of three maternal care centers and the expansion of primary healthcare services.
He emphasised that tackling health challenges requires collaboration between federal, state, and local governments.
“Nigeria’s health sector is undergoing transformation under President Tinubu’s health renewal initiatives, which rely on synergy with states and stakeholders,” he added.
Pate outlined measures aimed at reducing maternal mortality, including deploying frontline health workers and providing essential medical supplies.
“We are working with the Kano State Government to support hospitals, enhance emergency services for women, and strengthen teaching hospitals serving the people of Kano,” he stated.
Receiving the minister on behalf of Governor Abba Yusuf, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ibrahim, reaffirmed Kano’s commitment to supporting federal healthcare initiatives.
He acknowledged the progress achieved through previous partnerships with the Gates and Dangote Foundation but stressed the need for sustained efforts to achieve total polio eradication.
Abdullahi Yusuf is a seasoned journalist, communicator and was previously the Deputy Editor-In-Chief and Zonal Manager, News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Jos, where he retired on December 15, 2021
