Salma Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, has urged the Sokoto State government to implement homegrown solutions for sustainable maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Speaking at a briefing in Abuja on Saturday, she emphasised the need for political commitment to accelerate the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths in the state.

The briefing highlighted findings from the NDHS 2018 and MICS 2021, revealing preventable causes behind a majority of maternal and newborn deaths.

“We call on Sokoto to lead as the chief advocate and champion for the state and explore actions of key drivers and social determinants associated with high maternal and newborn deaths,” she stated.

Highlighting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s dedication to healthcare delivery and universal health coverage, she underscored the importance of prioritising maternal health.

She also noted Sokoto’s selection to focus on accelerating the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths, stressing the urgency of the initiative.

Ms Anas advocated a two-pronged approach, leveraging state-led and homegrown solutions tailored to local contexts and sociocultural determinants.

She urged Sokoto State to commit to reducing maternal and newborn mortality, emphasising the importance of the government’s leadership and community involvement in achieving the goal.

(NAN)