The Sokoto State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Sightsavers and other development partners, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, flagged off the free distribution of Azithromycin for children in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Speaking at the launch event held at the palace of the District Head of Gwadabawa, the Special Assistant to the Governor on the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Bello Marnona, said the initiative aims to reduce infant and child mortality across the state.
Dr. Marnona, who represented the State Commissioner for Health, noted that the programme is being implemented across all 23 local government areas of Sokoto State to protect children from preventable and deadly diseases.
He added that the state government remains committed to revamping the healthcare system, disclosing that about 158 health centres have either been completed or are nearing completion.
In his remarks, Chairman of Gwadabawa Local Government, Ibrahim Aliyu Sakamaru, appreciated the choice of Gwadabawa as the launch site. He called on parents, guardians, and traditional leaders in the area to support the programme, warning that action would be taken against anyone who refuses to cooperate.
Also speaking, the Country Director of Sightsavers, Professor Joy Shu’ibu, said Gwadabawa was selected due to its high number of unvaccinated children. She urged full cooperation from the public, noting that the free vaccination targets children aged 1 to 59 months.
Professor Shu’ibu commended Governor Ahmad Aliyu for creating a conducive environment for development work, and highlighted that Sightsavers has worked in Sokoto State for nearly 29 years.
The development partners expressed hope that the initiative, titled “SARMAAN”, will significantly reduce child mortality and help address antimicrobial resistance in Nigeria through the mass administration of Azithromycin.
