Kwara ranks 4th nationwide in health preparedness index
By Muyideen Aliyu, Ilorin
Kwara State has emerged as the top-performing state in Northern Nigeria and ranked 4th nationwide in the latest SBM Health Preparedness Index (HPI); a remarkable leap from its previous 15th position in 2023.
The SBM Health Preparedness Index assesses the capacity of Nigeria’s 36 states to effectively respond to health emergencies and deliver quality healthcare services.
The annual ranking draws from credible data sources such as the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), World Health Organisation (WHO), The Lancet, Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), BudgIT, The Cable, the Faculty of Medical Sciences of Radboud University, and the Global Data Lab.
The Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, attributed the leap in the state’s ranking to improved budgeting and prudent resource management under the current administration.
“This outcome clearly demonstrates how Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s fiscal discipline and transparent resource allocation are translating into measurable results in the health sector. The government has continued to prioritise adequate funding for health, ensuring that every kobo invested yields sustainable impact,” Nuru said.
Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, praised the present administration, ascribing the recorded success to the unwavering leadership and commitment of the Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
“The Governor has consistently shown leadership and resolve in strengthening the health system from infrastructure renewal to capacity building and improved service delivery. This achievement validates the administration’s dedication to ensuring that no citizen is left behind in accessing quality healthcare,” she stated.
The Commissioner further said that the HPI measures key indicators such as health budget performance, average household size, human capital development index, doctor-to-population ratio, infant and child mortality, life expectancy, and immunisation coverage, providing a comprehensive picture of how effectively states are strengthening their health systems.
The Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, said the latest ranking is a testament to the Governor’s unwavering commitment to improving the health and well-being of all residents.
“This achievement validates the Governor’s bold reforms and investments in the health sector. We have focused on building a health system that is not only accessible and equitable but also resilient enough to respond to emerging public health challenges,” Prof. Elelu explained.
Elelu added that the state’s improved performance in critical indicators such as immunisation, human capital development, and life expectancy demonstrates that the administration’s people-centred policies are yielding tangible results.
It would be recalled that the state is the safest place for a child to be born in Nigeria, with the lowest under-five mortality rate of 14 per 1,000 live births, based on the 2023/24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
The new ranking firmly positions Kwara among the top-performing states in Nigeria in terms of preparedness, resilience, and service delivery, reinforcing its status as a model for progressive governance and sustainable health system development in the country.