Kaduna state Government has announced plans to strengthen collaboration with national and international partners towards enhancing data collection and analysis capabilities for effective policy implementation.
The state commissioner for Planning and Budget Commission, Mallam Mukhtar Ahmed Monrovia stated this at the Twenty Twenty Four World Population Day and Launch of the State Population Report organized by the Commission in Kaduna.
He said government has recognize the importance of data and research in shaping effective policies and planning in anticipation of future trends, identifying emerging challenges, and allocate resources more efficiently.
”While a growing population can drive economic growth, innovation, and cultural diversity, it also places immense pressure on our resources, infrastructure, and public services. For instance, the demand for healthcare services is increasing, with maternal mortality rates currently at 576 per 100,000 live births, a figure we are working tirelessly to reduce.
“Education is another critical area, with enrollment rates in primary and secondary schools showing improvement but still facing challenges in quality and accessibility.
“Despite these challenges, I am proud to highlight some of the significant achievements we have recorded in the health sector of Kaduna State. Over the past few years, we have made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, with the construction and renovation of over 200 primary healthcare centers across the state.
“This has improved access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, we have launched the Kaduna State Contributory Health Insurance Scheme, which aims to provide affordable healthcare to all residents and has already enrolled over 1 million people”, he stated.
According to him, over the past few years, the state has made substantial investments in healthcare infrastructure, with the construction and renovation of over 200 primary healthcare centers across the state to improve access to healthcare services, particularly in rural areas.
In a speech, the Director Public Health in the State Ministry of Health, Dr. Abubakar Sadiq emphasized the need to embrace the potentials of youths by investing in education, vocational training, and entrepreneurship to unlock their talents and create a dynamic workforce that drives sustainable development.
Representative of the National Population commission, Hajiya Salina Yusuf Ali said the state has an estimated population of Nine Point Seven Million with an annual growth rate of Two point Seven Million describing it as a population with high potentials for positive socio-economic development if properly utilized.
Report by SHINDONG BALA
