Ilorin: The Commissioner for Health in Kwara, Dr Amina El-Imam, has said the state recorded 14 deaths per 1,000 live births, the lowest under-five mortality rate in Nigeria.
El-Imam stated this on Tuesday in Ilorin. She spoke at a news conference organised to commemorate World Health Organisation (WHO) Day 2026.
The theme of the day is: “Together for Health, Stand with Science”.
She described the success as a remarkable indicator of improved child survival in the state.
According to her, there is sustained high immunisation coverage, meaning most people receive vaccines regularly. This has significantly reduced vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and polio.
El-Imam said the state had high utilisation of maternal health services. Attendance at antenatal care appointments (pregnancy check-ups) was about 96.8 per cent. Deliveries in health facilities reached 77.6 per cent.
“These outcomes are not coincidental; they are the direct result of sustained commitment to science-driven policies, primary healthcare strengthening, and community engagement,” the commissioner said.
El-Imam further said that the state has recorded notable progress in immunisation, nutrition, malaria control, reproductive health, decline in neglected tropical diseases, HIV, and tuberculosis, resulting in measurable reductions in morbidity and mortality.
The commissioner said that the theme
was both timely and instructive, stressing the indispensable role of science, innovation, and collaboration in safeguarding the health of humans, animals, plants, and ecosystems.
This year’s commemoration marks the launch of a global campaign celebrating scientific achievements and promoting stronger multilateral cooperation to translate evidence into effective policies and impactful interventions.
Central to this campaign is the ‘One Health’ approach, which recognises that the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
The ‘One Health’ approach is a collaborative, multi-sectoral method that brings together human, animal, and environmental health sectors to achieve better public health outcomes,” she said.
Despite the achievements and successes recorded, emerging challenges were on the horizon.
She listed these challenges. They include the rising burden of non-communicable diseases, the impact of climate change, and evolving public health threats.
She stressed the need for ongoing investment in science, innovation, and collaboration.
Also speaking, the WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi, stated that the longer lives, effective prevention, and life-saving treatments we value today are the result of decades of scientific progress.
Jannabi was represented by the WHO representative in Kwara, Dr Emmanuel Eyitayo.
He said that science was driving practical solutions across Africa. These solutions improve lives and contribute to global health.
“African scientists, institutions and communities have played a vital role in shaping responses to major health challenges.
“The rapid development and deployment of Ebola vaccines during outbreaks in West and Central Africa demonstrated the power of research rooted in local partnerships,” he said.
Jannabi added that genomic surveillance in South Africa enabled the early identification of new COVID-19 variants. This surveillance-informed global response.
According to him, the region faces a complex web of challenges, including persistent diseases, emerging health threats and strained health systems.
He advocated the “One Health” approach. This strategy promotes coordinated action among the human, animal, and environmental health sectors to address threats, including diseases that spread from animals to humans and environmental risks.
“On this World Health Day, we encourage African governments to increase domestic investment in science, research and innovation as a foundation for health security and sustainable development,” he said.
Earlier in his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Health, Dr Abdullahi Taoheed, emphasised the need for all stakeholders to collaborate, including those in the health, veterinary and plant sectors.
