ZAMFARA RECORDS STRIDE IN HEALTH DATA SURVEY
Despite the prevailing insecurity,, Zamfara State has recorded positive strides on health indices as data released by the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) has rated the state least in neonatal and under-five mortality rate in the entire North West Zone.
The MICS is designed to collect statistically robust and internationally comparable estimates of key indicators that are used to assess the situation of children and women in the areas of health, education and child protections.
The surveys are household surveys implemented by countries under the programme developed by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) to provide internationally comparable, statistically rigorous data on the situation of children and women.
The 2021 MICS indicated that Zamfara has 31 neonatal mortality rate per one thousand live births which is the highest performing State across the zone.
On the under five mortality rate, Zamfara State has experienced 136 death per 1000 live birth (0 to 5 years) putting it second performing State, after Kaduna that top the survey.
Zamfara State still has high potential of achieving SDG 3.2 on under-five child mortality, which is a reduction to at least 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030.
The survey also indicated Kebbi, Katsina and Jigawa having under five highest mortality rate with 202, 179 and 174 respectively.
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On maternal and newborn cascade, Zamfara has recorded low performances, requiring more improvement to meet the national target, while on early initiation of breastfeeding the State top the survey.
Reacting on the outcome of the survey the Executive Secretary Zamfara State Primary Health Care Board Dr. Tukur Isma’il attributed the success recorded to the commitment of the present administration in the state led by Governor Bello Matawalle in the payment counterpart funding on various health intervention programmes.and support from development partners working in the health sector.
Leadership and coordination roles by the Commissioner of Health Aliyu Abubakar MC, support from traditional, religious and community leaders as well as acceptance from general communities on measures to promotes health care delivery services.
Commenting on the low performing areas cited by the survey, Dr. Tukur Isma’il said the recent infrastructure and human resource put in place by Matawalle’s administration especially provision of one functional PHC in each of the 147 wards and recent recruitment of health personnel as well as provision of quality and affordable drugs by the State Drugs Management Agency (DMO) would bridge the gaps in addressing challenges confronting the sector.
“Establishment of Zamfara State Contributory Health Care Management Agency ZAMCHEMA would offer free and affordable health services to less previewed and vulnerable individuals.
“Provision of 147 tricycle ambulances to 147 PHCs would lead to easy access to health facilities especially in the rural and hard to reach communities”
“These efforts by Matawalle administration would go along way in reducing high number of home delivery as well as maternal mortality rate” . Executive Secretary explained.
