The Sokoto State government inaugurated the federal government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) on Monday.

Speaking at the opening of the five-day stakeholders’ planning and execution session in Sokoto, the state Commissioner for Health, Faruk Wurno, said the initiative aims to address the underlying causes of maternal and neonatal deaths.

According to him, the state government had fully mobilised resources to ensure the proper management and successful implementation of the project.

“This initiative will go a long way in addressing our numerous health challenges and will guide our commitment towards building a healthier society.

“In Sokoto State, the government continues to prioritise health-related issues as one of the top areas under Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s Nine-Point Smart Agenda.

“I assure you today that MAMII will be one of our top priorities, and with the current commitment of stakeholders, I am confident it will succeed,” Mr Wurno said.

The commissioner further assured that the state government would continue to provide adequate manpower and equipment across its facilities to meet required healthcare standards.

He also urged families to utilise primary health care centres in their communities for effective service delivery.

In his remarks, Adam Ahmed, the planning and state engagement associate at the Federal Ministry of Health, said the initiative introduces innovative approaches to address maternal mortality in the country.

“The initiative came in response to concerns over maternal mortality, which remains one of Nigeria’s major health challenges.

“This problem is particularly severe in the northern parts of the country. We are here with all relevant stakeholders to identify the actual causes and provide contextual, community-based solutions,” Ahmed explained.

Earlier, Shamina Sharmin, health manager of UNICEF’s Sokoto field office, stressed the need for accessible, quality, and equitable service delivery, especially in rural health facilities, to reduce maternal deaths in the state.

Ms Sharmin expressed concern over the rising rate of maternal mortality in Sokoto, urging stakeholders to fully commit to ensuring the success of MAMII.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment, along with other partners, to work closely with communities and stakeholders to design context-specific solutions to holistically address maternal and neonatal health challenges in the state.

(NAN)