The Sokoto State Government has announced plans to provide free delivery kits and solar-powered lighting in public health facilities as part of measures to reduce maternal and newborn deaths across the state. Abubakar said the government would distribute delivery kits to women using public health facilities and install solar lighting in labour rooms and maternity units to improve access to essential maternal healthcare services. He, however, identified inadequate financial protection and the need for greater investment and reforms as some of the challenges facing the state’s health sector. Abubakar called on development partners working in maternal health to include efforts to reduce maternal mortality in their programmes across Sokoto State. Shehu said addressing maternal health challenges required stronger community-level involvement, including the participation of district heads, village heads and other community leaders.