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From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
The Kaduna State government on Tuesday told civil society groups that the current administration is open to constructive criticism geared towards improving maternal and newborn health across the state.
The Commissioner, Ministry of Health, Umma Ahmed, stated this while delivering her keynote address at a one-day Open Kaduna Health Sector themed Driving Evidence-based Advocacy for Improved Health Care Delivery Services In Karuna State, organised by Kaduna Maternal Accountability Mechanism (KADMAM) held at a hotel in Kaduna.
According to her, all the areas of concern evidently raised by the Health Accountability Mechanism would be conveyed to Governor Uba Sani to ensure they are looked into in line with his campaign promises.
“As Commissioner of Health, I stand here today to reaffirm our determination to work hand in hand with KADMAM and all stakeholders present.
“Our dedication extends to ensuring timely and adequate budgetary releases for maternal and child health services.
“We will remain receptive to feedback, open to constructive criticism, and proactive in addressing the gaps that may hinder the realization of our shared vision.
“Together, we can pave the way for a healthier future for our mothers and children, and by extension, for the prosperity of Kaduna State”, she said.
Earlier, Secretary of KADMAM, Isa Gidado said, his accountability platform had visited health facilities and users alike to generate evidence-based demand which is used to engage the government.
“We have been working in the health sector as a civil society group which include media specialists to ensure we constructively engage the government.
“Our interest is to see improvement in the health sector in such a way that our children and reproductive-age women can have unhindered access to their basic health needs,” he said.
A member of KADMAM and a former Co-Chairman, Open Government Partnership, the citizens’ arm, Alh Mustapha Jumare highlighted inadequate health workers and poor cash backing of health budget releases as top issues hampering improved health service delivery in the state.
The Ministry of Health, agencies and departments in the health sector, development partners including Save the Children International, UNICEF, Option, Partnership to Engage Reform and Learn and other accountability platforms were represented at the event.
