LISDEL Engages Stakeholders in Kaduna State to Optimize Primary Healthcare

Juliana Abude-Aribo, the Executive Director of LISDEL who appreciated all the stakeholders present introduced LISDEL and its intention to work with the State to optimize primary health care in the State through advocacy and improved accountability systems.

Access to quality and equitable healthcare delivery at the primary health care level is integral to the attainment of Universal Health Coverage (UHC), and improvement of Nigeria’s health indices. The modalities to optimize access to, and delivery of quality primary healthcare services in Kaduna State were focal during conversations at an engagement of stakeholders recently held in the State.

The meeting which was convened by the State Ministry of Health to discuss Strengthening Government Partnerships and Advocacy for Primary Healthcare Optimization was convened to dialogue and explore effective partnership mechanisms that would enhance achievement of the state’s priorities in the health sector.

With participation across a wide range of stakeholder groups, including the Legislature, Executive, development agencies, civil society, media etc, various issues limiting the effective implementation of primary healthcare policies in the State were highlighted.

In her address, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina Mohammed Baloni emphasized the challenge of inadequate funding in the sector and sought the continuous support of the Legislature and other stakeholders to strengthen the system.

Juliana Abude-Aribo, the Executive Director of LISDEL who appreciated all the stakeholders present, introduced LISDEL and its intention to work with the State to optimize primary health care in the State through advocacy and improved accountability systems.

The Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Dr Isaac Auta, who led a delegation of key members of the House to the meeting also highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnerships and promised the commitment of the Legislature to work with the State Ministry of Health and all its Departments and Agencies to improve access to and delivery of healthcare services in the State.

Alhaji Mustapha Jumare, the Chair of the Kaduna Maternal Accountability Mechanism (KADMAM) – a coalition of stakeholders supporting the State to ensure accountability and efficiency of processes, funding and policy implementation reiterated inadequate cash-backing for budgeted funds, and human resources for health. Stakeholders buttressed the need for synergy in operations and improved communication between executives and legislatures, as well as other systemic challenges.

LISDEL will partner and work with all identified stakeholders to improve outcomes of advocacy and accountability efforts in the State.

Contributed by Ademuyiwa Damilola (LISDEL)