By Samuel Solomon
The Sokoto State Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve immunisation coverage by mobilising community leaders across its 244 wards to drive grassroots healthcare awareness and advocacy.
The initiative was unveiled on Monday during a two-day orientation and sensitisation workshop organised by the Sokoto State Primary Healthcare Development Agency for Ward Development Committees under the European Union-supported Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health Programme and the Community Engagement and Accountability initiative.
The workshop, held at Dankane Guest Palace in Sokoto, brought together WDC chairmen, women leaders and other community stakeholders from the state’s 23 local government areas to strengthen community participation in healthcare interventions.
Speaking at the event, the agency’s Director of Advocacy and Social Mobilisation, Dahiru Gada, described Ward Development Committees as the bridge between health authorities and rural communities.
“Our objective is to ensure that community representatives fully understand the SARAH and CEA programmes so they can return to their communities and educate residents on available health services and the benefits of accessing them,” he said.
Gada stressed that community leaders have a crucial role to play in tackling misconceptions, building trust and encouraging residents to embrace essential healthcare services.
“We expect participants to go back to their communities and intensify mobilisation efforts, especially encouraging pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics and deliver in health facilities under the supervision of skilled healthcare workers,” he added.
According to him, increasing access to antenatal care and skilled birth attendance remains one of the most effective strategies for reducing maternal and child deaths across the state.
The director noted that the sensitisation also focused on adolescent health and routine immunisation programmes aimed at protecting young people against preventable diseases, including tetanus and diphtheria.
“Beyond healthcare, Ward Development Committees also serve as agents of positive change by promoting sanitation, environmental health, education and other community development initiatives,” Gada said.
On concerns about insecurity affecting healthcare outreach in some communities, he said the agency had adopted a locally driven approach that relies on trusted community members.
“We are working with people who live within these communities. They understand the terrain, they know the security realities, and they enjoy the confidence of the people. That allows us to continue delivering health messages and services despite security challenges,” he stated.
Gada disclosed that functional Ward Development Committees have been established in all 244 wards across Sokoto State, comprising chairmen, vice chairmen, women leaders and other community representatives who support health campaigns at the grassroots.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Sokoto State Ward Development Committees, Bala Gadanga, described the initiative as a major boost to community-driven healthcare delivery.
“The success of this programme depends largely on community participation. Participants will return to their wards and local governments to cascade the knowledge acquired and mobilise residents to utilise available healthcare services,” he said.
Gadanga explained that the programme prioritises house-to-house mobilisation, tracking children who miss routine immunisation, identifying adolescents in need of healthcare services and referring pregnant women for antenatal care and safe delivery.
“This intervention will help reduce maternal mortality and morbidity while improving access to healthcare services for women, children and other vulnerable groups across Sokoto State,” he added.
He further noted that the participation of women leaders from all 244 wards demonstrates the programme’s commitment to inclusive and community-owned healthcare development.
According to him, stronger collaboration among health authorities, local government councils and community structures remains key to achieving sustainable improvements in healthcare delivery and advancing public health outcomes in Sokoto State.
