The Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa, has tasked the newly elected local government chairmen to prioritise primary healthcare services in order to tackle the challenges of maternal and child mortality among other health issues in the state.
Dr. Sabuwa gave the charge during a two-day retreat organised by the state in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) at the Bristol Palace Hotel in Kano.
The deputy governor stated that primary healthcare services is the foundation of any healthcare system, especially in addressing the health needs of the populace.
She noted that the retreat provides a unique platform to bring the new chairmen in understanding the direction of state government as contained in its manifesto, which focuses on investing in human capital, with health and education being the two most important.
“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 said.
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Chief Social and Behavioural Change Officer, UNICEF Nigeria, Kshitij Joshi, noted that the objectives of the meeting was to engage with the new chairmen and identify areas of collaboration to strengthen the health system, especially as regards to children and women in the state, noting that when they are empowered, they will contribute proactively to the process.
“It’s not a one-directional sharing of information. They had some bright ideas that would really help transform and accelerate the process that we are trying to achieve in Nigeria and Kaduna State for the women and children in the state.”
Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Umma Ahmed, said as gate keepers of the various local government areas, the chairmen have a role to play at ensuring healthcare services are accessible and of high quality to their people.
In their different remarks, Chairman of Giwa and Jaba Local Government Areas, Amed Abdullahi and Sylvia Ishaku, respectively, promised to prioritize healthcare delivery at their various localities.
