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By: Abdullahi Tukur
The Sokoto State Government has launched the 2026 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW), targeting more than 1.4 million children in a renewed drive to improve maternal and child health across the state.
Flagging off the week-long exercise at Kofar Kade Primary Healthcare Centre in Sokoto North Local Government Area, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, described the programme as a critical intervention designed to enhance the nutritional status and overall wellbeing of mothers and children.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to reducing maternal and child mortality through sustained investments in primary healthcare services and preventive health programmes.
According to the commissioner, the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week remains one of the state’s most impactful public health initiatives, offering life-saving healthcare services directly to pregnant women and children at the grassroots level.
Dr. Abubakar urged parents, caregivers and expectant mothers to take full advantage of the exercise by visiting health facilities and designated outreach centres to access free health and nutrition services.
He noted that improving child survival, tackling malnutrition, preventing childhood diseases and ensuring safer pregnancies remain key priorities of the state government.
The commissioner also commended frontline health workers, community leaders and development partners for their unwavering support in advancing healthcare delivery across Sokoto State.
The exercise will provide essential nutrition and health services for children under the age of five and pregnant women across the 23 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Abubakar further acknowledged the contributions of major development partners supporting the programme, including UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), Helen Keller International, Nutrition International, Child Nutrition Fund, Kirk Humanitarian and the Gates Foundation.
Health officials expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly boost child health indicators and strengthen efforts to build healthier communities throughout Sokoto State.
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