KWSG Reaffirms Commitments to Maternal, Newborn Health

Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and newborn healthcare across all the 16 Local Government Areas in the state.

This assurance was give by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, at a one-day meeting for the dissemination of the report of health facility assessment for Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care ( CEmONC), held  at the Ministry’s headquarters, Ilorin. 

The meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Health through the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office in partnership with Jhpiego focused on the CEmONC Health Facilities Assessment Report with relevant health stakeholders in attendance. 

In her keynote address, Dr. El-Imam stressed the need for data-driven decision-making in strengthening healthcare delivery. 

She noted that the CEmONC assessment had provided valuable insights into the current status of maternal and newborn care services in Kwara State. 

According to her, "While notable progress has been made, significant gaps still exist that require urgent and targeted interventions to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

She described the meeting as an important platform for all stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, propose practical strategies, and commit to mobilizing the necessary resources and policy reforms to ensure quality and accessible emergency obstetric and newborn care across the state.

The Commissioner expressed sincere appreciation to the Governor of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for his steadfast leadership and dedication to healthcare development. 

She highlighted some of the state government’s recent achievements, including the infrastructural upgrade of facilities especially and most recently, the Civil Service Hospital and Adewole Cottage Hospital, the mass recruitment of healthcare workers across all cadres to bridge workforce gaps, and the approval and implementation of the 2024 Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) for medical doctors. 

These, she said, are clear indicators of the government’s sustained investment in the health sector.

Dr. El-Imam affirmed that the Kwara State Government remains fully committed to scaling up healthcare delivery and ensuring that the health and well-being of women and newborns remain a top priority. 

She called on all stakeholders to support and sustain efforts aimed at building a stronger, more inclusive health system.

In his remarks, the National Coordinator of SWAp, Dr. Muntaqa Sadiq, represented by Mr. Yusuf Salami, underscored the vital role of all health sector stakeholders in reducing maternal and infant mortality. 

He urged participants to be proactive and strategic in their engagements and interventions.

Dr Muntaqa also commended Kwara State Government for its commitment to enhancing maternal and newborn health services and expressed optimism that with continued collaboration between the Federal Ministry of Health and the state government, a responsive and resilient healthcare system that supports mothers and newborns would be realized.

The dissemination meeting brought together key players in the health sector, including top management staff of the Ministry and Agencies under the Ministry, Chief Medical Directors, Healthcare Professionals and Development Partners.

Saad Hamdalat

Press Sec, 

MOH 

08166520513