Hussaini Kafi in Kano
Kaduna State has made significant strides in primary healthcare, surpassing the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency’s target of 90% performance by 8%.
This achievement is attributed to the dedicated efforts of Governor Uba Sani’s administration.
Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, speaking at a retreat for newly elected local government chairmen, highlighted the state’s progress.
She noted that Kaduna State, once ranked 15th with a mere 55% performance in 2015, has now reached an impressive 98% performance.
Despite these gains, Dr. Balarabe emphasized the need for continued vigilance.
She expressed concern over the persistent challenges of maternal and child mortality, including high rates of home births attended by unskilled personnel and incomplete immunization coverage.
To address these issues, the Deputy Governor urged local government chairmen to prioritize healthcare as a moral imperative, encouraging their spouses to become advocates for health within their communities.
The retreat, sponsored by UNICEF, brought together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for improving primary healthcare delivery. UNICEF’s Chief of Social and Behaviour Change, Kshitij Joshi, emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and development partners to achieve better health outcomes for children in Kaduna State.
A communique issued at the end of the retreat acknowledged the challenges hindering effective primary healthcare service delivery, including infrastructure deficits, high out-of-pocket costs, and insecurity in certain areas.
The participants resolved to work together to overcome these obstacles and ensure the well-being of Kaduna State’s population.
