Chapter Four

The Establishment of Women and Children Welfare Clinic in 1954

Introduction

The establishment of the Women and Children Welfare Clinic in Sokoto in 1930s 1 marked a
significant milestone in the history of healthcare provision in the region. This clinic was founded
with a clear mission to address the pressing healthcare needs of women and children, focusing on
maternal and child health, preventive care, and community well-being. The inception of this
clinic signified a proactive approach towards improving access to quality healthcare services for
vulnerable populations in Sokoto, setting the stage for a journey of development, growth, and
impact on the local community. By laying the foundation for comprehensive health services
tailored to the specific needs of women and children, the establishment of the Women and
Children Welfare Clinic in Sokoto in 1954 laid the groundwork for meaningful advancements in
healthcare delivery and public health initiatives in the region. The clinic started in an old and
unsuitable mud built house in a central position in Sokoto.2

The Circumstances and Politics Behind the establishment of WCWC

It is crucial for the locals of Sokoto to embrace modern medical services for the betterment of
their health and well-being. The advancement in the acceptance of medical services and practices
has greatly improved the quality of healthcare services available, providing more effective
treatments and care for various health conditions which made it necessary for the establishment
of more health provision outlets to cater for the growing population and their increasing demand.

A reason behind the establishment of WCWC at that particular place was, the need for men in
Sokoto should encourage and allow their families to patronize modern medical services 3. It is
essential to prioritize the health of their loved ones by seeking professional medical help when

1
Sambo Wali

2
inspection note by director of medical services in Sokoto, 22nd - 24th november 1939,
NAK/MOH/502:INSPECTION NOTES SOKOTO PROVINCE - 1945
3
Yakumbo

1
needed. By the establishment of the clinic the people of the area began to have a good
understanding of how important and effective the services are, they monitored how the services
were rendered which gave them a clear concept of how uncorrupt the modern medical services
are, they held on it by supporting and promoting the use of modern medical facilities, men
contributed to the overall acceptance of healthcare in Sokoto.

Similarly, women in Sokoto were mostly in purda 4, going out especially during the day is not
allowed unless on rare cases, in order to give them a chance to patronize modern medical
services the medical outlet was provided within their environment. They were given the
opportunity and empowered to seek medical assistance without fear or hesitation in the clinic at
night. Accessing modern healthcare services have a significant impact on their health outcomes
and overall well-being as, women play a crucial role in the family and society, and prioritizing
their health is essential for the thriving community in Sokoto.

There was a growing need for a hospital that is solely dedicated to women and children's welfare
in Sokoto5. Such a specialized healthcare facility can cater to the unique healthcare needs of
women and children, providing specialized services and treatments. This would ensure that
women and children receive the specific care and attention they require, leading to better health
outcomes for these vulnerable populations.

Another reason behind the establishment of WCWC at its location was the recognition of the
distinct healthcare needs of women and children in the region while they still failed to recognize
its importance. By creating a dedicated facility that should be in the midst of the society to avoid
further suspicion, it was initially called asibitin gida 6, the authorities aimed to improve access to
specialized healthcare services for women and children, addressing gaps in the existing
healthcare system.

The government's commitment to prioritizing women and children's health led to the creation of
this specialized hospital. By investing in specialized healthcare facilities, they engaged the
services of health practitioners that shared the same believe, culture and faith, for instance the in
4

6
Gwaggo Boya

2
the early development scheme, the government encouraged the participation of candidates
despite their low educational standard 7. The government demonstrated its dedication to
improving healthcare services for vulnerable populations and addressing the healthcare
disparities that exist in the region, all in an effort to make the people of Sokoto embrace the
modern medical services.

The establishment of WCWC in Sokoto signifies a significant step towards enhancing healthcare
services for women and children in the region. By focusing on their unique healthcare needs and
providing specialized care, WCWC aims to improve health outcomes and promote the well-
being of women and children in Sokoto. It serves as a testament to the commitment of the
authorities to prioritize the health of vulnerable populations and address gaps in the healthcare
system.8

In conclusion, it is essential for the locals of Sokoto to embrace modern medical services, with
men supporting their families in accessing quality healthcare, and women seeking medical
assistance without fear. The establishment of a hospital dedicated to women and children's
welfare, such as the Women and Children Welfare Center in Sokoto, reflects a significant
milestone in improving healthcare services for these vulnerable populations. By recognizing the
distinct healthcare needs of women and children and investing in specialized healthcare facilities,
Sokoto can work towards achieving better health outcomes and promoting the well-being of its
residents.

The Services of the women and children welfare clinic in Sokoto State at the time of
establishment

When the Women and Children Welfare Clinic was first established in Sokoto State, its primary
goal was to provide a range of essential healthcare services tailored to the specific needs of
women and children in the region, it was named asibitin yara da mata. A record shows how
women in purdah increasingly seek the attention of the Nursing Sister and more of them have

7
notes concerning the development of medical services in sokoto medical areas, compiled following the visit of
ADMS Dr. HMO Lester, in Sokoto, 16/11/45-18/11/45
8
Late Comr. Bello N. Junaidu

3
bagan visiting the hospital9, the clinic was somehow operating majorly at night. Some of the key
services offered by the clinic at the time of its establishment include:

The clinic provided prenatal care to pregnant women, including regular check-ups,and support
for a healthy pregnancy. It also offered delivery services to ensure safe childbirth experiences for
mothers and their newborns.10

The clinic focused on providing pediatric care for children, including routine check-ups,
vaccinations, treatment of common childhood illnesses, and nutritional support to promote
healthy growth and development among the pediatric population in Sokoto State. The clinic
offered nutrition counseling and support services to address malnutrition and promote healthy
eating habits among women and children in Sokoto State. They supported malnourished children
with cereal powder, fruits and other nutritious foods among others, while the healthy children
were given gift in order to encourage the effort of their parents and as well encourage other
households to more and better in taking care of their new borns and patronize the clinic all
together11.

The clinic offered reproductive health education and counseling 12 to empower women to make
informed decisions about their reproductive health and plan their families according to their
needs and preferences. The clinic provided reproductive health education to women to raise
awareness about important topics such as sexual health, contraception, pregnancy care, and
prevention of common reproductive health issues.

The clinic offered developmental assessments and monitoring services for children to track their
growth and development milestones and identify any developmental delays early on for timely

9
Provincial Annual Report 1955, p.

10
Pro Ann Rep 1945

11
Nanan Nana

12

4
intervention and support.13The clinic effort was supported by the United Nations International
Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF)14.

Through these comprehensive services, the Women and Children Welfare Clinic in Sokoto State
aimed to improve access to quality healthcare for women and children, promote healthy living
practices, prevent diseases, and empower women to take charge of their reproductive health and
well-being. The clinic played a crucial role in addressing the specific healthcare needs of women
and children in Sokoto State at the time of its establishment, laying the foundation for healthier
communities and improved health outcomes for its beneficiaries.

Specific Health Care Needs that WCWC Sokoto Addresses Presently

The Women and Children Welfare Center (WCWC) in Sokoto addresses a range of specific
healthcare needs tailored to women and children in the region; some services were available and
later reshaped while quite a few were introduced. Some of the key healthcare needs that the
center focuses on include:

Maternal Care: The WCWC provides comprehensive maternal health services to support
pregnant women before, during, and after childbirth. This includes prenatal care, delivery
services, postnatal care, family planning, and maternal health education to ensure safe and
healthy pregnancies and childbirth experiences.15

The center offers specialized healthcare services for children, including pediatric care,
immunizations, growth monitoring, nutritional support, and treatment of common childhood
illnesses. By focusing on children's health needs, the WCWC aims to promote healthy growth
and development among the pediatric population in Sokoto. WCWC offers nutrition counseling
and support services to address nutritional deficiencies and promote healthy eating habits among
women and children. By addressing malnutrition and promoting proper nutrition, the center aims
to improve overall health and well-being among its patients.
13
Boya

14
AHAK/19/2/A12, Provincial Annual Report for 1954

15
Salamatu

5
The clinic provides a range of reproductive health services to women, including family planning
counseling, contraception methods, screening for reproductive health issues, and treatment of
reproductive infections. By addressing women's reproductive health needs, the center aims to
empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and well-being.

The center emphasizes preventive care measures such as vaccinations, screenings, and health
education to proactively address health issues before they escalate. By promoting preventive
healthcare practices, the WCWC aims to reduce the incidence of preventable diseases and
improve overall health outcomes among women and children in Sokoto.

Child Development Services: The center offers developmental assessments, early intervention
services, and support for children with special needs to promote optimal growth and
development. By focusing on child development services, the WCWC aims to support children's
physical, cognitive, and emotional development for a healthier future.

Overall, the Women and Children Welfare Center in Sokoto is dedicated to addressing the
specific healthcare needs of women and children in the region through a range of specialized
services and programs. By providing comprehensive maternal care, child healthcare,
reproductive health services, preventive care, nutrition support, gender-specific services, and
child development services, the center aims to improve health outcomes, promote well-being,
and empower women and children to lead healthier lives in Sokoto.

The People’s Perception of the Women and Children Welfare Clinic Services in Sokoto State.

The People's Perception of the Women and Children Welfare Clinic Services in Sokoto State
with time became generally positive, as the clinic played a vital role in addressing the healthcare
needs of women and children in the region. Here are some key points that highlight the people's
perception of the clinic's services:

The clinic was viewed favorably for its accessibility, as it provided essential healthcare services
in a convenient location within Sokoto State. This accessibility made it easier for women and

6
children to seek healthcare services without facing significant barriers, coupled with the free
medical services, drugs and recognition gifts to encourage women to accept the services.16

The people appreciated the quality of care effectiveness of the services provided by the clinic,
including skilled healthcare professionals who offered compassionate and effective healthcare
services such as Malama Balaraba17, a Hausa muslim woman who worked as one of the early
local staff. The clinic's focus on maternal and child health, along with preventive care measures,
contributed to positive health outcomes for many beneficiaries.

Women in Sokoto State perceived the clinic as a source of empowerment, as it offered family
planning services, reproductive health education, and support for maternal health. These services
empowered women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being, by giving
them the taste of human right freedom to decide to have a say on their personal health issues and
have have the feeling of being taken along on child bearing issues.18

Families appreciated the child-friendly environment of the clinic, where pediatric care was
provided in a nurturing and supportive setting. Children felt comfortable and at ease during their
visits, which positively impacted their healthcare experiences.

The clinic's services had a significant impact on the community, as it contributed to improving
the overall health and well-being of women and children in Sokoto State. The community
recognized the clinic as a valuable resource for promoting health, preventing diseases, and
supporting vulnerable populations. The people had trust and confidence in the clinic's services
due to its consistent provision of reliable and effective healthcare services. The clinic built a
reputation for being trustworthy and dependable in addressing the healthcare needs of women
and children in the region.

The clinic actively engaged with the community and provided support beyond just medical
services. It offered educational programs, counseling, and advocacy to address broader social
determinants of health and promote holistic well-being among its beneficiaries.

16 gwaggo hafsatu

17 saidu abbas

18 comrade

7
Overall, the People's Perception of the Women and Children Welfare Clinic Services in Sokoto
State by the day became solely positive, with the clinic being recognized as a valuable institution
that significantly contributed to improving the health and quality of life of women and children
in the region. Its comprehensive range of services, focus on empowerment, and commitment to
community engagement earned the trust and appreciation of the people it served.

The Development of the Clinic

The development of the Women and Children Welfare Clinic in Sokoto State from its
establishment to 1960 was marked by significant milestones that shaped its growth and impact
on the community. Here is an overview of the key developments during this period:

Bearing the name Women and Children Welfare Clinic can be said to be one of the
developments achieved by the clinic, this shows how dedicated the government was to address
the healthcare needs of women and children in the region. The clinic was founded with a vision
to improve maternal and child health outcomes, provide essential healthcare services, and
promote the well-being of vulnerable populations19.

In its early years, the clinic started with a single room until a slave who occupied the house was
moved in order to expand it to three rooms; the office of the nurse in charge, the consultation
room, and delivery room. focused on establishing basic infrastructure and facilities to support its
healthcare services20. This included setting up clinic rooms, maternity wards, child-friendly
spaces, and administrative offices to ensure a conducive environment for patients and healthcare
providers in 196721.

The clinic initially offered basic healthcare services such as prenatal care, postnatal care,
vaccinations, and pediatric care to women and children as an out-patient health provider. These
services aimed to address immediate health needs and promote preventive care practices to

19
Sa'idu Abbas 82

20
Boya

21 Salamatu

8
improve health outcomes. The introduction construction of wards provided gave room to the in-
patient clinical services

To enhance the quality of care provided, the clinic invested in training and capacity building for
healthcare professionals. Through workshops, seminars, and continuing education programs,
healthcare providers at the clinic were equipped with the knowledge and skills to deliver
comprehensive and effective healthcare services. Its improvement made it necessary to the
posting of Miss Cooper to Sokoto for a second tour.22

The clinic fostered partnerships and collaborations with local government agencies, non-profit
organizations, and community leaders to expand its reach and impact. These partnerships helped
mobilize resources, raise awareness about maternal and child health issues, and advocate for the
well-being of women and children in Sokoto State, UNICEF and government provided dried
milk, which was distributed to children23. The clinic played a key role in advocating for policies
and programs that supported women's and children's health at the local and state levels. Through
research, data collection, and advocacy efforts, the clinic influenced policy decisions, resource
allocation, and healthcare priorities to improve health outcomes in Sokoto State.

From the early stages, the clinic prioritized community engagement efforts to build trust, foster
relationships, and address the unique healthcare needs of the local population. Community
members were actively involved in decision-making processes, program development, and
advocacy initiatives to ensure the clinic's services were responsive to community priorities. The
clinic invested in raising awareness and promoting education on maternal and child health issues
among the community. Through outreach programs, health campaigns, and educational
workshops, the clinic empowered women and families with knowledge to make informed
decisions about their health and well-being.

By 1960, the Women and Children Welfare Clinic in Sokoto State had evolved into a vital
healthcare institution that was recognized for its commitment to improving the health and well-
being of women and children in the region. Its development journey from establishment to 1960
was characterized by a focus on infrastructure, services, capacity building, partnerships,

22 1945 Provincial Annual Report

23
AHAK/19/2/A16, Provincial Annual Report for 1958

9
community engagement, advocacy, and education, all of which contributed to its growing impact
and relevance in Sokoto State.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the development of the Women and Children Welfare Clinic in Sokoto State from
its establishment to 1960 exemplifies a transformative journey that prioritized the health and
well-being of women and children in the region. Through a focus on infrastructure development,
healthcare services, capacity building, partnerships, community engagement, advocacy, and
education, the clinic evolved into a vital institution that played a pivotal role in improving
maternal and child health outcomes in Sokoto State. The establishment of the clinic in 1954
marked the beginning of a dedicated effort to enhance healthcare access, promote preventive care
practices, and address the unique healthcare needs of women and children in the community. As
the clinic continued to grow and expand its impact, it not only provided essential healthcare
services but also empowered individuals, fostered collaborations, and influenced policies to
create a lasting impact on the health landscape of Sokoto State. The journey of the Women and
Children Welfare Clinic serves as a testament to the enduring commitment to promoting the
well-being of women and children, driving positive changes, and fostering a culture of health and
care in the community.

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