FG Awards Kano for Leading Fight Against Maternal, Neonatal Mortality as Gov. Yusuf Vows to Combat Polio
By Mustapha Salisu
The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Coordinating Ministry on SWAP Governance, Coordination, and Subnational Engagement, has recognized Kano State as the first in the country to be activated in the fight against maternal and neonatal mortality.
The award was conferred on Kano State under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).
Receiving the award on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, Kano State Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, expressed appreciation for the federal government’s continuous support in strengthening healthcare services in the state.
He made the remarks during a two-day “Interactive Meeting with LGA Chairmen on Sustaining the Gains of Polio Eradication, Routine Immunization, and Other PHC Services in Kano State,” held in Kaduna State.
While acknowledging the honor, Comrade Gwarzo lamented the disturbing rise in maternal mortality rates across the state. He revealed that the state government is planning to introduce trained traditional birth attendants (Ungozoma in Hausa), equipped with modern delivery techniques, to provide frontline maternal care across all 44 local government areas (LGAs).
To further curb maternal mortality, he announced the introduction of shuttle buses to transport pregnant women to healthcare centers, ensuring timely access to medical services.
He also urged the health ministry to conduct biannual training sessions for traditional birth attendants and equip them with necessary working tools to improve maternal healthcare delivery.
On the issue of Routine Polio Immunization, Comrade Gwarzo warned that Kano State is witnessing an alarming resurgence of polio, a situation that could damage Nigeria’s global health reputation.
He attributed the spread of the virus to poor sanitation and poverty, stressing that the only effective solution is maintaining hygiene and ensuring routine vaccination.
He further raised concerns over Nigeria’s status as a major exporter of the polio virus, which, he warned, could lead to travel restrictions on Nigerians by foreign countries.
To curb the resurgence, the Deputy Governor called on political and traditional leaders across all 44 LGAs to intensify efforts in monitoring and supervising polio vaccination campaigns within their jurisdictions.
He also emphasized the need for strict surveillance on immigrants, as their movements significantly contribute to the virus’s spread due to Kano’s relative peace, which attracts an influx of migrants.
Comrade Gwarzo reaffirmed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to eradicating polio and reducing maternal mortality, stressing that the administration would continue to support health initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of Kano residents.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, Kano State Commissioner for Health, urged newly elected LGA Chairmen to work closely with the state government in implementing healthcare interventions, noting that 70% of such programs require local government approval.
Photo Credit: Hon. Hamza Ahmad Telan Mata, P.A Photography to the Deputy Governor of Kano State.
He reiterated that Nigeria’s classification as one of the highest exporters of the polio virus poses a significant global health risk, which could result in restrictions on Nigerians traveling abroad.
Dr. Labaran emphasized that routine immunization remains the most effective solution to eradicating polio and called for collective efforts at all levels of government and society to sustain vaccination programs.
