The Kwara State Government has announced that it has successfully reached over 1.6 million children with Vitamin A supplements, marking a significant increase from the 100,000 children reached in 2020. Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq shared these figures in Ilorin during the inauguration of 83 revitalised primary health care centres across the state.

The Governor explained that this progress was achieved through funding from the state government, the World Bank supported IMPACT Project, the Basic Healthcare Provision Funds, and the Leadership Challenge Funds won by the state. He noted that the investments have contributed to improved health outcomes for the youngest residents.

Governor AbdulRazaq stated that it remains heart-warming that Kwara State is considered the safest place to be born in the country. He further remarked that the state continues to see an improved situation with the lowest under five mortality rate in Nigeria.

"This boldly speaks to our commitment to giving quality health care to every citizen of the state, regardless of where they live.

"We inherited a primary health care system that was in a state of extreme disrepair with far-reaching consequences on the people.

"We, however, refused to accept this as our reality. Instead, we worked in partnership with stakeholders like the World Bank, especially the IMPACT project, UNICEF and others through enhanced commitment and prompt payment of counterpart funding.

"Each of these facilities has been renovated to new standards. Expectant mothers will no longer need to travel long distances to access antenatal care and safe delivery services.

Children will receive timely immunisations and treatment for common childhood illnesses.

Our youths will have access to reproductive health information and services. Our elderly people will receive care for chronic conditions closer to home.

"The improvement in health outcomes witnessed in the state spurs us to do more through additional recruitment into the health workforce and improved welfare."

Executive Secretary of the state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, said improvement in the state had led to increase number of patients visiting the PHCs.

Said she: "As at today, we have recorded over 722,000 outpatients visiting our PHCs, compared to 8,020 in 2020. Over 500,000 expectant mothers reached with haematinics, compared to 30,000 deliveries recorded 2020.

"These are not just statistics; they represent people whose future has been secured due to the lifesaving services we provide.

"This achievement belongs to all of us- our state government, development partners and most importantly, the communities who have embraced these facilities as their own.

"We recognise that revitalisation is the beginning, not the end. We are committed to sustaining these gains, expanding coverage and ensuring every resource invested translates into lives saved.

"This achievement represents far more than renovated buildings and new equipment.

"It represents our renewed commitment to bringing quality health care to the doorsteps of our people.

We are reaching mothers who previously delivered at home without skilled birth attendants.

"We are reaching communities that were once beyond the last mile. Every mother, child and family who now has access through these revitalised facilities is a testament to what we can accomplish through strategic partnership and shared vision."