Kwara State has achieved the lowest child mortality rate in Nigeria, with only 2 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to recent data disclosed by Professor Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (KSPHCDA).

The revelation came during the First Quarterly Meeting of the Kwara State Task Force on Immunization and Primary Health Care in Ilorin on Thursday.

Professor Elelu cited findings from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), stating that the rate is an unprecedented low compared to other states.

"This milestone positions Kwara as the Nigerian state with the lowest child mortality rate, reflecting our commitment to maternal and child health," she said.

Professor Elelu also noted that Kwara leads the North-Central region in deploying skilled birth attendants across its Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), a strategy credited with saving countless mothers and newborns.

She highlighted key initiatives driving these outcomes, including the government's provision of free delivery kits across all 16 local government areas, and the launch of a toll-free line to report any illegal demand for money at PHCs.

Progress has also been made in child immunization. Elelu stated that the state is achieving high coverage in routine immunization for children aged zero to five years. She emphasized that mop-up exercises are ongoing to ensure no child is left behind.

However, she raised concerns about the lack of support from some fathers, noting that many mothers report being prevented by their husbands from vaccinating their children.

Reacting to this, Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi expressed disappointment over the resistance from some male heads of households.

He pledged that the state government would engage local government authorities to sensitize and mobilize fathers to actively support life-saving immunization campaigns.