Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq says Kwara State now has the lowest under-five mortality rate in Nigeria, according to the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS).
In a Facebook post on Monday, the governor said the survey by the Federal Ministry of Health ranked Kwara as the best state in the country for a child to be born and raised.
“Last night, I received the newest Federal Ministry of Health survey which shows Kwara under our watch as the best state in which a child can be born and raised,” AbdulRazaq wrote.
He said the survey recorded the state’s under-five mortality rate at 14 deaths per 1,000 live births, the lowest in the country.
The governor linked the improvement to investments in primary healthcare across the state, including expanded services at community health centres and improved maternal and child health programmes.
“While this report tells us that our investment in primary health care is a step in the right direction, I assure the people of our state that we will not become complacent. We will do more to make things a lot better,” he said.
He added that the state government was proud of the current ranking but would continue efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery.
Earlier reports from the Kwara State Primary Healthcare Development Agency also highlighted progress in child health indicators.
Speaking in Ilorin during the agency’s quarterly meeting on immunisation and primary healthcare in 2025, the Executive Secretary, Nusirat Elelu, said the state had recorded some of the lowest child mortality figures in the country.
Elelu attributed the improvement to expanded healthcare services, increased access to skilled birth attendants and greater public confidence in health facilities.
Health officials say continued investment in primary healthcare and immunisation will be key to sustaining the gains.
FAQ
What did the survey say about Kwara State?
The 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reported that Kwara has the lowest under-five mortality rate in Nigeria.
What is Kwara’s under-five mortality rate?
The state recorded about 14 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Why has the rate improved?
Officials say improved primary healthcare services, stronger immunisation programmes and more skilled birth attendants have contributed to the progress.
Where was the announcement made?
Governor Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq shared the update in a Facebook post after receiving the survey results.
