The Mama-kits were specifically packaged with items needed during childbirth and after delivery to ease pregnant women’s stress
The United States Agency for International Development-Integrated Health Programme (USAID-IHP), will expend N132 million on the renovation of 80 Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Sokoto state.
Dr Fatima Muhammad, the USAID-IHP State Technical Director, disclosed this during the handing over of 16,650 delivery items supports, popularly called ”Mama-Kits” on Wednesday in Sokoto.
Muhammad, who was represented USAID-IHP Sokoto State Director, Dr Usman Arrashid, said 40 PHCs would be rehabilitated in 2022, while the remaining 40 would be rehabilitated in 2023.
She said the PHCs would be equipped with relevant delivery facilities needed for safe child delivery, antenatal care and post delivery.
Muhammad said that the donation was part of the USAID-IHP efforts to encourage more women to visit health facilities for childbirth and other associated medical needs.
“ The Mama-kits were specifically packaged with items needed during childbirth and after delivery to ease pregnant women’s stress.
“ The plan was to ensure extension of services with ease, USAID-IHP had provided the needed support to the government through these items.
“ There are difficulties faced by women during delivery, like providing sanitary pads, soaps and delivery mats, among others,” she said.
The Technical Director expressed optimism that the effort would encourage more women to access healthcare services, adding that some facilities were in bad shape before the repairs.
In his remark, the state Commissioner of Health, Dr Ali Inname, appreciated the support, which he said would augment the state government’s efforts in healthcare delivery.
Inname, who was represented by the Director, Administration of the ministry, Alhaji Nasir Mudassir, assured increased synergy with donor agencies across the state.
He further said that having childbirth in health facilities would help to reduce maternal mortality in the state.
The News of Nigeria ( NAN) quoted the Wazirin Sokoto, Prof. Sambo Wali-Junaidu, as commending the donors and urged expectant mothers to be patronizing healthcare facilities.