By LOUIS ACHI

In Sokoto State, the "9-Point Smart Agenda" of the current administration is the governance policy framework of Governor Ahmad Aliyu which outlines his key priorities and development plans for the state. One of the priority arenas of the governor's agenda is Health and a foundational component of this agenda is Primary Health Care.

Today, Sokoto State is charting an inspiring course in primary healthcare, demonstrating a profound commitment to improving the health and well-being of its citizens. Through strategic investments in infrastructure, a determined effort to bolster its healthcare workforce, and the implementation of targeted programs, the state government is not merely addressing existing health challenges but actively building a more resilient and accessible primary healthcare system for all.

This transformative journey is characterized by a holistic approach, recognizing that effective primary healthcare is the bedrock of a healthy society. From the crucial recruitment of skilled professionals to the ambitious renovation and construction of health facilities, Sokoto's achievements reflect a dedication to ensuring that quality healthcare is within reach for every man, woman, and child.

One of the most critical challenges facing healthcare systems globally is the shortage of qualified personnel. Sokoto State has taken bold and decisive steps to address this head-on, demonstrating a clear understanding that even the best facilities are ineffective without skilled hands to operate them.

A landmark achievement in this regard is the recruitment of 845 nurses and midwives. This significant injection of healthcare professionals directly tackles staffing shortages in primary healthcare centres across the state, ensuring that more communities have access to trained medical personnel for essential services.

These newly recruited individuals are the frontline heroes, providing direct care, administering immunizations, and offering crucial health education.

Beyond immediate recruitment, Sokoto is also investing in the future of its healthcare workforce through an innovative scholarship program. The state is providing scholarships for students pursuing medical studies abroad, with a groundbreaking commitment to automatic employment upon graduation.

This forward-thinking initiative addresses the long-term need for specialized medical expertise within the state, creating a pipeline of highly qualified professionals who are guaranteed a role in serving their home communities. This not only tackles brain-drain but also offers a powerful incentive for young Sokoto indigenes to pursue careers in medicine.

The vision for primary healthcare in Sokoto extends beyond human resources to the physical infrastructure that houses these vital services. The state government has embarked on an ambitious program of renovation and construction, fundamentally transforming the landscape of healthcare access.

Already, seven primary health centres have undergone significant renovation, improving facilities and creating more conducive environments for both patients and healthcare providers. These renovations enhance the functionality of existing centres, equipping them with better amenities and the necessary space for comprehensive care.

Looking ahead, the state has even more ambitious plans, with a commitment to construct 199 additional primary health centres. This monumental undertaking will drastically improve access to quality healthcare, particularly in underserved and rural areas, bringing essential services closer to the people who need them most.

Alongside infrastructure development, the government is prioritizing the provision of essential healthcare services, with a particular emphasis on pregnant women. This focus acknowledges the critical role of maternal health in overall community well-being.

Initiatives are firmly in place to strengthen maternal and child health programs, with the ultimate goal of reducing alarming maternal and infant mortality rates. This includes addressing the devastating challenge of Vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), a debilitating condition that disproportionately affects women in rural areas.

By providing comprehensive care, from antenatal services to safe delivery and postnatal support, Sokoto is safeguarding the lives of mothers and their newborns. The recent distribution of essential drugs and Mama Kits across all 23 local government areas, with an expenditure of over N1.5 billion, underscores the government's commitment to ensuring safer deliveries, especially in remote areas.

Furthermore, the state is actively expanding mass immunization programs against childhood diseases. This proactive approach ensures that children are protected from preventable illnesses, contributing to a healthier and more productive future generation.

The provision of health equipment to all 23 Local Government Areas (LGAs) is a crucial step in ensuring that all primary healthcare centres are adequately equipped to deliver these essential services, from routine check-ups to emergency care.

To ensure the highest standards of care, Sokoto State is implementing regular technical supervision and in-service training programs for healthcare workers at all levels. This continuous professional development ensures that staff are up-to-date with the latest medical practices, equipped with the necessary skills, and motivated to deliver optimal services.

A progressive step in expanding the scope of primary healthcare is the state's ongoing effort to integrate mental health care into primary health services. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being and seeks to provide accessible mental health support at the community level, reducing stigma and improving overall health outcomes.

The inauguration of 16 projects at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital Kware further highlights the state's commitment to addressing mental health challenges comprehensively.

Sokoto State understands that sustainable healthcare development requires collective effort. The government is actively fostering strong relationships with donor partners, leveraging their expertise and financial support to amplify its healthcare initiatives. These collaborations are vital in augmenting resources and implementing innovative solutions to improve healthcare services across the state.

Crucially, the government is also deeply invested in working with community leaders and stakeholders to ensure the success of healthcare initiatives. This grassroots approach fosters ownership and promotes active participation from the beneficiaries themselves.

By engaging communities, health programs become more relevant, acceptable, and ultimately, more effective, building a sense of shared responsibility for health outcomes.

The comprehensive efforts undertaken by the Sokoto State Government, astutely led by youthful Governor Ahmad Aliyu in primary healthcare are painting a vibrant picture of progress and promise. From bolstering its workforce and upgrading vital infrastructure to implementing targeted programs for vulnerable populations and fostering crucial partnerships, the state is demonstrating a clear and unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of its citizens.

These achievements are not merely statistics; they represent tangible improvements in the lives of countless individuals. Reduced maternal and infant mortality, increased access to essential services, and a more robust and responsive healthcare system are the hallmarks of Sokoto's health revolution. As the state continues to build upon these foundations, it is poised to create a lasting legacy of health and prosperity for all its people.

Additionally, Governor Aliyu who believes in critical partnerships to drive his health agenda is not averse to engaging with the federal government and other development partners. In a strategic effort to combat the escalating malnutrition crisis in Sokoto State, the federal government, in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Education Fund (UNICEF), has set aside N1.5 billion emergency fund to support targeted interventions.

Receiving a high-level delegation from UNICEF, European Union (EU) and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) recently in Sokoto, the state capital, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the mission was to galvanise support for the control of alarming rise in severe acute malnutrition in the state.

Prof. Yilwatda lauded the collaboration between the state and humanitarian partners, stressing the need for durable solutions rooted in local capacity. Sharing his childhood experience as an internally displaced person, the minister noted that malnutrition and insecurity were closely linked. The minister, who encouraged the state to leverage its vast agricultural production to combat hunger, also said "there can be no food security without peace."

The UNICEF Country Representative, Cristian Munduate, acknowledged Sokoto State’s commitment to combating the crisis, noting the state’s allocation of N500 million, stressing the need to adopt local and sustainable strategies to address the nutritional needs of the state’s most vulnerable citizens.

Responding, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu expressed appreciation to the development partners, particularly acknowledging UNICEF’s substantial pledge, and vowed to sustain the political will to end malnutrition in the state.

•Louis Achi, writes from Abuja.