The Kano State Government has announced a substantial decline in maternal mortality, with the rate falling from 1,025 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2025 to 570. This significant improvement is credited to a series of healthcare interventions implemented with the support of development partners.
Professor Salisu Ibrahim, the Director-General of the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board, shared this progress on Friday during the virtual commissioning of the revitalised Gadon Gaya Primary Health Care Centre. This centre is part of the World Bank-supported IMPACT Project, aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery across the state.
Ibrahim, who represented Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the event, highlighted that the positive shift in maternal health indicators resulted from coordinated efforts by the state government, the Federal Government, and various development partners. He stated, “As of last year, 2025, the maternal mortality rate was 1,025 per 100,000 live births. As of today, we are speaking about 570, which has actually crashed maternal mortality.”
The Gadon Gaya facility is one of 187 primary healthcare centres that have been revitalised under this intervention programme, which receives backing from the World Bank and other international organisations. Furthermore, over 350 primary healthcare facilities statewide have undergone renovation, reconstruction, or upgrading through initiatives like the Basic Health Care Provision Fund, the IMPACT Project, and support from partners including the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) through the LAFIYA programme, UNICEF, and GAVI.
Beyond maternal health, the state has also observed improvements in immunisation coverage and a reduction in the number of children who have not received any vaccines (zero-dose children). These gains are partly attributed to increased community engagement and awareness campaigns.
The Project Manager of the IMPACT Project, Dr Nura Ganduje, noted that the commissioning of facilities like Gadon Gaya PHC would enhance access to healthcare services for local residents. He explained that the project, Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services, is specifically designed to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths by strengthening primary healthcare systems.
Ganduje reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government, the World Bank, and other partners to continue investing in primary healthcare infrastructure and expanding healthcare access for vulnerable populations.
