Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has engineered a remarkable healthcare transformation that is fundamentally changing how ordinary citizens access medical services across the state.
Revitalizing Primary Healthcare Infrastructure
At the core of this healthcare revolution lies the complete overhaul of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across Sokoto's 244 wards. The administration recognized that these local health facilities serve as the first point of contact for most residents and made their rehabilitation a top priority.
Working in partnership with international organizations including Plan International and Global Affairs Canada, the state government has already upgraded more than 15 PHCs, with several others currently undergoing rehabilitation. The improvements extend far beyond superficial changes, incorporating solar-powered boreholes, sanitation facilities, solar power installations, clean maternity wards, and safe delivery rooms.
Dr. Larai Aliyu, Executive Secretary of the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SSPHCDA), emphasized the practical nature of these upgrades. "We are working to ensure that not only do the buildings stand out, but that they function properly, delivering immunisations, managing deliveries, and handling basic emergencies," she explained.
Tackling Healthcare Staffing Challenges
Beyond infrastructure improvements, the administration confronted decades-long staffing shortages, particularly in rural areas where maternal mortality rates remained highest. Governor Aliyu approved the recruitment of over 800 nurses and midwives, strategically deploying them to underserved communities.
The government has also invested significantly in retraining existing staff, community health workers, and expert trainers with focus on reproductive health, antenatal and postnatal care, and immunisation. These comprehensive staffing initiatives have dramatically increased public confidence in the healthcare system, with more residents now relying on PHCs for their routine health needs.
Maternal and Child Health Breakthroughs
One of the most significant achievements of the healthcare reform appears in improved maternal and child health outcomes. In March 2025, the state government distributed Mama Kits and essential drugs to all 244 PHCs, investing more than N1.5 billion in this critical initiative.
The Mama Kits contain essential supplies including antiseptics, sterile gloves, delivery mats, and baby care materials, ensuring women can give birth safely even in remote areas. As Governor Aliyu declared during the launch, "no woman has to give birth under unsafe conditions due to lack of basic supplies."
These efforts have been complemented by enhanced immunisation programmes, expanded reproductive health services, and the provision of diagnostic equipment across health centres. Preliminary data already shows encouraging trends, including increased antenatal visits, safer deliveries, and improved newborn survival rates.
Community Engagement and Digital Innovation
The administration has made public engagement a cornerstone of the healthcare revolution. Through local radio programmes, community dialogues, and mosque-based health talks, the government promotes safe motherhood, child immunisation, and hygiene practices.
Traditional leaders, clerics, and women's associations have become vital partners in these campaigns. A local Imam in Wamakko community noted: "When we speak about safe delivery from the pulpit, it carries weight because people trust us."
Digital innovation represents another key aspect of the reforms. For the first time, PHC attendance records, immunisation data, and drug inventories are being digitised under a centralised health information system managed by the SSPHCDA. This data-driven approach enables quicker decision-making and better resource allocation.
To reach the most remote areas, the state introduced mobile outreach clinics that delivered antenatal care, vaccinations, and basic treatments to more than 60,000 residents between January and June 2025.
Sustainable Healthcare Financing and Future Plans
The administration is taking bold steps to secure sustainable healthcare financing through the Sokoto State Contributory Health Scheme. Pilot enrollment has begun for pregnant women and children under five, providing free consultations, essential drugs, and delivery services.
The long-term vision aims toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC), ensuring equitable access for all citizens. Collaboration with tertiary institutions including Sokoto Specialist Hospital, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, and the College of Nursing Sciences has been deepened to serve as training hubs and referral points.
Each PHC now operates under the oversight of a Ward Development Committee (WDC) composed of traditional rulers, women representatives, and youth leaders. These committees help monitor facility management, mobilize local resources, and ensure accountability.
Looking ahead, the state plans to strengthen monitoring and evaluation systems by introducing digital dashboards that display real-time health indicators across all wards. This innovation will enhance transparency and guide policy decisions while enabling citizens to track progress.
Health experts have commended Sokoto's integrated approach. Dr. Helen Isiong, Programme Quality and Influencing Director with Plan International, described the reforms as "a rare example of comprehensive planning where roads, water, electricity, drugs, and personnel are all addressed in one coordinated system."
While challenges persist in maintaining infrastructure and retaining rural health workers, the state government has established local monitoring committees and introduced stricter oversight mechanisms to curb drug diversion and misuse.
Governor Aliyu's healthcare transformation demonstrates that even long-standing systemic challenges can be overcome with vision and determination. For mothers, children, and families across Sokoto State, the results are already visible through safer births, healthier communities, and restored faith in public healthcare.
