Hussaini Kafi in Kano
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Kaduna State Primary Healthcare Management Board have joined forces to enhance healthcare delivery in the state.
A two-day retreat was recently held in Kano to equip newly elected local government chairpersons with the necessary knowledge and tools to improve healthcare services within their respective communities.
Dr. Idris Bawa, a UNICEF health specialist, highlighted the crucial role of local government leaders in shaping the health and well-being of their constituents.
The retreat aimed to guide these leaders in making informed decisions about resource allocation and prioritizing healthcare initiatives.
“The essence of the meeting is to orient local government chairmen towards their responsibility as the number one citizen in their respective local governments,” Dr. Bawa explained.
Deputy Governor Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe emphasized the importance of primary healthcare centers (PHCs) as the cornerstone of the healthcare system.
She underscored the state government’s commitment to addressing maternal and child mortality, malnutrition, adolescent health, and immunization.
“We’ve had our challenges, but we’ve also recorded some gains. We realize that if we get it right at this level, we will get the other levels right as well,” she stated.
Participants, including chairpersons from Giwa and Jaba local government areas, expressed their dedication to prioritizing healthcare service delivery and achieving the desired outcomes.
The event was well-attended by all 23 local government chairpersons in Kaduna State, the Commissioner of Health, and heads of relevant agencies and parastatals.
