UNFPA, Sokoto State Launch Training for 500 Midwives

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has partnered with the Sokoto State Government to implement a scholarship scheme that will train 500 young women as community midwives. This initiative, aimed at improving maternal healthcare and reducing mortality rates in rural areas, was unveiled on Tuesday during the 8th Sokoto State Council Health Meeting.

The program will see 250 women enrolled in 2026 and another 250 in 2027, with graduates expected to serve in underserved communities. Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto emphasized the critical need for this intervention to address gaps in maternal and child healthcare.

The state has already taken steps to strengthen its healthcare workforce, including the recruitment of 1,500 nurses and midwives for rural postings. The scholarship scheme is expected to significantly enhance service delivery at the grassroots level.

Additionally, the state is currently recruiting 2,400 community health workers to improve primary healthcare services across local government areas.