0
0
Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality by addressing identified gaps in healthcare delivery.
The state also pledged sustained efforts to curb teenage pregnancy through reproductive health interventions.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Ahmed El-Imam, stated this on Friday during the finalisation of the 2026 Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the health sector held in Ilorin the capital.
While acknowledging improvements in the state’s health indices, El-Imam said the government remained focused on closing gaps in intermittent preventive treatment during pregnancy (IPTp), facility-based deliveries and postnatal care utilisation.
“While we celebrate these achievements, we must remain focused on areas requiring improvement. The survey identified gaps in IPTp uptake, facility-based delivery and postnatal care utilisation.
“These challenges align with the priorities of MAMII, HOPE-PHC and our Annual Operational Plan, and they must inform our interventions moving forward,” she said.
The commissioner also cited gains in reproductive health, noting that the state had maintained a low rate of teenage pregnancy.
“Teenage pregnancy in the State remains below both the regional and national averages, reflecting the positive impact of our reproductive health interventions,” she said.
She urged participants at the review to make evidence-based recommendations that would further strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
“As we finalise this Joint Annual Review, I urge all participants to engage actively, examine the evidence objectively and contribute practical recommendations that will help reduce maternal and child mortality, strengthen service delivery and accelerate progress towards Universal Health Coverage,” the Commissioner added.
Addressing newsmen, Sector-Wide Approach Coordinator for Kwara State, Dr. Abdulqadri Ahmed, explained that the forum brings together various agencies, departments, and programmes within the state’s Ministry of Health to evaluate their progress and refine future strategies.
Dr Ahmed added that by examining data and reflecting on both successful initiatives and existing challenges, the forum seeks to identify specific gaps in care delivery.
Royal Fathers at the event, including the Olupo of Ajase Ippo, Ohoro of Shao and Mogaji Aare of Ilorin, pledged continue support to the health sector through proper orientation and routine engagements, especial on teenage pregnancy.
The programme featured performance summary presentations, question and answer and top management validation of findings and recommendations.
