…To Improve PHC Service Delivery in Kaduna.
by Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State Government, in collaboration with ‘EngenderHealth,’ has officially launched Gates Foundation project, entitled, ‘Advocacy Solutions to Improve PHC Service Delivery and Health Outcomes in Kaduna State.’
The State’s Commissioner for Ministry of Health, Haj. Umma K. Ahmed, who performed the ceremony Wednesday, said “The launching is important to the state ministry of health and would support in helping to implement the state policies and changing the narrative in healthcare sector.”
She also stated that the collaboration will assist the state in implementing its policies, because they have come up with innovative advocacy approach that will go a long way in getting appropriate and adequate funding for projects and programs.
The commissioner, however, expressed optimism that Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State is passionate about the healthcare sector and only needed the ministry’s support to do the needful that would not require much stress.
According to her, accountability is key and would be prioritized, highlighting that doing so would enable government and funding partners to do more.
Earlier, the Gates Foundation Country Project Manager, EngenderHealth, Nigeria, Dr. Kabiru Attah, presented an overview of Gates Foundation Project, titled, ‘Advocacy Solutions to Improve PHC Service Delivery and Health Outcomes in Kaduna State.’
The organizers also highlighted the meeting objectives, amongst other things, including to introduce the project to Kaduna State stakeholders, identify key policies, advocacy and accountability priorities and gaps, and to co-create activities for project implementation in the state.
The Country Project Manager, in an interview, told newsmen that they were specifically in Kaduna Wednesday for project launching.
“Kaduna State has launched 8 policies in last one way and needed support from expertise like our foundation in areas that required support.
“Kaduna State is to benefit a lot from this project. Kaduna has launched 8 policies requiring implementation. For them to be implemented, definitely, there will be challenges.
“So, this project is going to support the state ministry of health and other stakeholders, identify who their staff are, and see how we can use our expertise – funded by this foundation – to be able to solve those problems and ensure that the state implement those policies.
They are already funding Kaduna State operational plan, even though there are funding challenges along the way.
“We are to work with health ministry and ensure implementation of more solution that will bring solution, allow more funding to the state and health sector, e.g., the State Contributory Health Care Management Agency, the informal sector, that we see the percentage of enrollment is quite low in the state, amongst others,” he stated.”
Goodwill Messages were presented by co-Chair, Kaduna Maternal Accountability Mechanism (KADMAM), Isah Gidado, representatives of CSOs, partners and stakeholders and personalities as well as permanent secretary health ministry and director during the opening ceremony held at Butterfly Hotel.