Kano targets zero maternal mortality, not just reduction – Health Commissioner

The Kano State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating maternal mortality rather than just reducing it, stating that it is determined to ensure no woman dies during childbirth.

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, made this declaration while speaking at the Partners Coordination Forum (PCF) meeting held in Kano.

His statement was contained in a statement signed by Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Information Officer of the Ministry of Health on Thursday.

According to the statement, Dr. Labaran, revealed that the government is fully dedicated to transforming the healthcare sector under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration.

He highlighted the recent renovations of secondary healthcare facilities and the awarding of contracts for over 200 primary health center upgrades as part of the strategy to strengthen maternal healthcare.

“Our goal is not just to reduce maternal mortality, but to crash it down completely. There should be no room for the survival of maternal mortality in Kano. We aim to drop this menace to zero level,” he said.

He expressed concern over statistics indicating that over 70% of women in Kano prefer home deliveries assisted by traditional birth attendants rather than seeking medical care in hospitals.

He attributed this to a lack of confidence in healthcare services.

“Many women believe giving birth in their matrimonial rooms is safer than going to hospitals because they have lost trust in receiving proper care. That is why we are renovating our hospitals and strengthening our primary healthcare facilities. Our intention is to have at least one fully functional primary health facility in each ward of Kano State.”

Dr. Labaran called on development partners working in the health sector to align their efforts with the state government’s vision, emphasizing the importance of accountability and transparency.

“Our goal is one project, one budget, one outcome. We have the resources, and with support from the federal government and development partners, achieving zero maternal mortality is simple and realistic, by Allah’s grace,” he stated.

The meeting concluded with partners pledging their support to Kano State’s efforts in achieving this ambitious goal.