Writing By Khadijat Aliyu , Editing By Godwin Duru
The Nigeria Health Watch, in collaboration with the Kano State Primary Health Care Management Board KNSPHCMB, organized a one-day policy dialogue themed: Strengthening PHC Accountability for Improved Maternal and Child Health: Bridging Gaps in Primary Health Care (PHC) Service Delivery.
The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Yusuf described the policy dialogue as apt, saying that Kano state has the highest number of maternal and child mortality in the country.
He explained that, over sixty million naira monthly has been expended by the state government to provide free maternal kits, cesarean surgery and other initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and child health.
The commissioner noted that the state government is putting all mechanisms in place to eradicate the wide polio virus in circulation, including setting up a task force committee to fight the infection targeting over three million children where over 70 % have been covered.
“The governor has approved the revival of 64 nutrition referral centers and establishment of new ones to cover all the 44 local government areas”.
The Director Monitoring & Evaluation Kano State Primary Healthcare Management Board KNSPHCMB , Dr. Bashir Sunusi posited that the state has mapped out a blue print to have functional PHC’s in every ward and general hospital in all the local government areas.
He maintained that the state appropriated funding in the 2024 budget for total revitalization of forty four PHC’s selected which is approved by the state government as previous renovation and upgrade has not elevated the them to the required standard.
“271 health facilities in Kano will be renovated under the 13 billion world bank impact project”.
In her welcome remarks, the Managing Director Nigeria Health Watch Vivianne Ihekweazu highlighted the critical role that effective and efficient PHCs play in strengthening Nigeria’s health system.
She stressed that like many other states, Kano continues to grapple with high maternal mortality and gaps in primary healthcare, adding that despite various interventions, many mothers and children remain vulnerable, with home deliveries still common while skilled birth attendants often out of reach.
“Strengthening PHC accountability is essential to reducing maternal and child mortality in Kano State”.
Vivianne pointed out that, the policy dialogue is part of Nigeria Health Watch’s ongoing Global Policy and Advocacy Project, which aims to improve awareness and accountability in primary healthcare service delivery.
“The Policy Dialogue will not only highlight the disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural areas but also underscore the vital role of accountability and community participation in transforming our health system”.
Radio Nigeria reports that the dialogue brought together key stakeholders from the government, civil society and healthcare sector to discuss evidence-based strategies for improving maternal and child health outcomes.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
