Gusau — The 2008 demographic and health survey report has indicated that Zamfara State is lagging behind in development and ranks the least in the North- west region. The report indicated that only 28 percent of the state had access to potable water and another 28 percent had improved toilet facilities, while 19 percent had access to electricity.

In the area of education, there is 13 percent literate women and 34 percent literate men just as 88 percent of women in the state are illiterates.

On maternal and child health care, the survey showed that only 13 percent of pregnant women in the state received antenatal care in the past five years. The report also showed that only five percent of children between 12 - 23 months were fully immunized within the period.

The Deputy Mission Director Mikaela Meredith said the presentation of the report was to send a message to stakeholders in the country and in Zamfara State. She hoped that the report would bring about change in the state.

Responding, Governor Mahmud Aliyu Shinkafi assured that his administration would ensure that something was done to address the issues raised in the report.