By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Kaduna State hosted policymakers, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and development partners on Tuesday for the #OpenKaduna Health Sector Policy Dialogue, where officials highlighted the state’s achievement of allocating at least 15% of its budget to health, in line with the Abuja Declaration.The event, organized by the Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) in collaboration with EngenderHealth Consortium, the Lafiya Programme, Nigeria Health Watch, and the FCDO-Lafiya Programme, focused on advancing transparency, inclusivity, and accountability in health-sector financing and delivery.Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, represented by Commissioner for Health Hajiya Umma K. Ahmed, conveyed Governor Uba Sani’s goodwill to participants and commended KADMAM for its sustained advocacy. She noted that Kaduna’s health budget has consistently met or surpassed the 15% benchmark and highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements across the state.
According to her, Kaduna has renovated at least one primary health facility in each of the 255 wards, upgraded several others to Level 2 care, and is improving secondary health facilities. “Our health allocations have consistently met or exceeded 15%, and these investments have contributed to the awards the state has received for regular immunization coverage,” she said.
The Deputy Governor emphasized that accountability remains central to the government’s health-sector reforms. “Policy without accountability is intention without impact,” she noted, urging participants to use the dialogue to identify gaps, strengthen strategies, and promote evidence-based policy implementation.She further stressed her commitment to advancing maternal, newborn, and child health, assuring that recommendations from the dialogue would be reviewed and integrated into ongoing reforms.Also speaking, Commissioner for Health Dr. Umma K. Ahmed described the dialogue’s theme—“Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare”—as timely and forward-looking. She outlined the state’s digital health initiatives, including electronic medical records, health information systems, telemedicine, and AI-driven analytics aimed at improving service delivery.
Dr. Ahmed also highlighted Kaduna’s commitment to reproductive health, palliative care, elimination of harmful cultural practices, and control of non-communicable diseases. She added that the state is developing “Ibadah-friendly” AI systems that respect privacy, modesty, and prayer schedules. She commended IMAN’s medical and surgical outreach for embodying compassion and extending essential care to families across Kaduna.In his remarks, the Emir of Zazzau and Chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, His Royal Highness Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, praised KADMAM for sustaining the platform. He reaffirmed the traditional institution’s role in mobilizing communities to embrace antenatal care, skilled delivery, and routine immunization. “Our traditional institutions have always been central to community engagement and shared responsibility,” he said.
KADMAM Co-chair Muhammad Graba welcomed participants and reiterated the initiative’s role as a citizen-led platform promoting transparency, accountability, and community involvement in Kaduna’s health governance. He cited the state’s progress in meeting the Abuja Declaration benchmark, upgrading primary health centers, and improving secondary healthcare facilities. He emphasized that the #OpenKadunaHealthSectorDialogue symbolizes a collective commitment to building a health system where maternal and child deaths are eliminated and quality care is accessible to all residents. Graba expressed appreciation to government officials, development partners, and stakeholders for their continued collaboration.
