The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe says the state government is committed to revitalising primary healthcare.
Balarabe made this known during the state’s primary healthcare sector ‘PHC MoU Endline Technical Review Meeting’, held on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The meeting marked a crucial milestone in the ongoing partnership between the state government and various international and local stakeholders to strengthen the primary healthcare system.
Balarabe emphasised the importance of the gathering as a moment of reflection and celebration of the collaborative efforts that began in 2016.
She recounted the journey that started with a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on routine immunization services, initially involving the state government, the Bill & Melinda Gates and the Aliko Dangote Foundations.
Balarabe said, ”This collaboration expanded in 2018 into an Integrated PHC MoU, incorporating additional key stakeholders to enhance service delivery, particularly for pregnant women and children.
“The impact of this partnership on our primary healthcare system has been profound.
“We have seen remarkable improvements in health outcomes, particularly in the well-being and survival of women and children across the state.”
The deputy governor expressed deep gratitude to the key partners, particularly the two foundations for their unwavering support.
She also acknowledged the significant contributions of other MoU partners, including WHO, UNICEF, FCDO, Global Fund, World Bank, and the NPHCDA, whose roles have been instrumental in the state’s healthcare advancements.
Balarabe highlighted the achievements of the partnership, particularly in immunisation coverage.
According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency’s 6th Scorecard released in December 2022, the state exceeded the national target of 90 per cent, achieving an impressive 98 per cent.
This success, she said, demonstrates the collective dedication and hard work of all stakeholders, positioning Kaduna as a leader in the Northwest region.
Balarabe acknowledged that challenges remain, saying, ”They include financial constraints, supply chain disruptions, and workforce limitations.
”They have continued to impede progress, alongside the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing security concerns.”
She also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving healthcare access, particularly for children.
She cited the state’s dedication to the health sector, which receives the second-largest budgetary allocation after education, with over 15 per cent of the budget dedicated to healthcare.
The deputy governor also outlined the government’s efforts to bring healthcare closer to communities by equipping and upgrading 290 PHCs, with plans to renovate and equip an additional 255 facilities across the state.
“As we move forward, our commitment to improving health outcomes remains unwavering.
”We must continue to strengthen our partnerships and embrace innovative solutions to overcome the challenges we face,” Balarabe said.
She encouraged the stakeholders to use the meeting as an opportunity not only to reflect on past accomplishments but also to catalyse future endeavours towards a healthier state.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmad, stated that the aim of the meeting was to assess the progress of the MoU and review the performance of PHC implementation across key indicators.
She also highlighted the importance of identifying and addressing bottlenecks and advocating the renewal of the MoU with funding partners.
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmad Bamali, described the event as timely and significant, emphasising its potential to enhance healthcare delivery across the state.
He urged the partners to continue their support for the state to ensure even greater benefits in the future.
The emir expressed gratitude to the strategic partners for their invaluable contributions to these critical projects.
Bamali appealed for the continuation and extension of the partnership beyond the current phase.
He said that the state was well-positioned in healthcare, saying, ”thanks to the dedicated individuals leading the sector’s efforts.” (NAN)
