02/09/2026
SOKOTO STATE INAUGURATES STEERING COMMITTEE ON MATERNAL, PERINATAL AND CHILD DEATH SURVEILLANCE AND RESPONSE (MPCDSR) IN COLLABORATION WITH UNFPA
Sokoto State Government has inaugurated the State Steering Committee on Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), as part of efforts to strengthen the review, notification and response to maternal, perinatal and child deaths in the state.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday, 1st September, 2026, at the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), Specialist Hospital, Sokoto, by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, who was represented at the occasion by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi, mni.
Speaking during the inauguration, the Permanent Secretary said the establishment of the committee was aimed at identifying gaps, strengthening transparency and accountability, and ensuring effective implementation of interventions to reduce maternal, perinatal and child mortality in Sokoto State.
Alhaji Dingyadi explained that the work of the committee required a multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary approach, stressing that the participation of relevant government institutions, health professionals, development partners and other stakeholders was critical to achieving the desired results.
He emphasised the importance of accurate, timely and reliable data in understanding the causes of maternal and newborn deaths and in guiding appropriate interventions.
He particularly commended the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for its continued support and technical assistance to the state.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SSPHDA), Dr. Bilyaminu Yari Sifawa, represented by the Director of Disease Control, Dr. Tukur Magaji, described the initiative as long overdue.
He expressed optimism that the committee would effectively discharge its responsibilities and contribute significantly to reducing preventable maternal, perinatal and child deaths across the state.
Also speaking, the Executive Director, Sokoto State Health Services Management Board, Dr. Bello Abubakar Attahiru, commended the Ministry of Health for initiating the committee and pledged the commitment of the General Hospitals to supporting efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving newborn survival in Sokoto State.
Dr. Attahiru disclosed that the Board had initiated timely reviews of maternal mortality and newborn deaths in General Hospitals to assess the situation, identify gaps and strengthen the quality of services provided to women and newborns.
In a goodwill message, the UNFPA State Team Leader, Dr. Rabiatu Sageer, expressed delight over the inauguration of the committee, stressing that the initiative was about bringing about change and saving lives, rather than merely establishing a committee.
She noted that preventing women from dying during pregnancy and childbirth was a collective responsibility, requiring the concerted efforts of government, healthcare providers, communities, development partners and other stakeholders.
Dr. Sageer assured that, through SARAH funding, UNFPA would continue to provide technical support to strengthen the implementation of the MPCDSR initiative and contribute to improved maternal and newborn health outcomes in Sokoto State.
In his welcome remarks, the Director of Public Health, Ministry of Health, Dr. Abdulganiyu Yusuf, welcomed participants to the event and explained that the initiative was designed to systematically review maternal and newborn deaths in order to generate evidence for appropriate decision-making and interventions.
He said the process was centred on review, notification and response, stressing that lessons learned from every maternal or newborn death would help stakeholders identify preventable factors and take corrective measures to improve the quality of healthcare services.
In separate goodwill messages, representatives of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Guild of Medical Doctors, Ministry of Budget and Economic Development, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Ministry of Education, and other relevant partners, appreciated the initiative and expressed their commitment to continued support towards achieving a successful outcome.
The Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Haliru Dingyadi, mni, thereafter formally inaugurated the committee on behalf of the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, who serves as the Chairman of the State Steering Committee.
In his closing remarks, the Director of Medical Services, Ministry of Health, Sokoto State, Dr. Abubakar Adamu, expressed appreciation to all participants, stakeholders and development partners for their support and commitment towards the success of the initiative.
Dr. Adamu expressed the hope that the newly inaugurated committee would effectively serve its purpose by strengthening the review, notification and response mechanisms and ultimately contribute to the reduction of preventable maternal, perinatal and child deaths in Sokoto State.
The event was attended by Directors of the Ministry of Health, heads of relevant health agencies, representatives of professional bodies, government ministries, development partners and other stakeholders.
The Sokoto State Ministry of Health reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening interventions aimed at improving maternal, perinatal and child health and ensuring that data generated through the MPCDSR process is translated into timely, evidence-based actions.
Bashiru Garba
Public Relation Officer
Ministry of Health
Sokoto State
