By Khadija Kubau
Kaduna State has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening healthcare delivery through science-driven policies and strategic investments as it joined the global community to commemorate World Health Day 2026.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma K Ahmed, welcomed key stakeholders, including the World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator, Dr. Musa Mahadi, development partners, frontline health workers, and members of the media.
She noted that the theme for this year’s celebration, “Together for Health: Stand with Science,” aligns with Kaduna State’s vision of science-led governance and evidence-based planning.
According to the Commissioner, since the assumption of office by Governor Uba Sani, healthcare has remained a central pillar of the state’s development agenda, with significant milestones recorded over the past three years.
She explained that the government has undertaken a comprehensive revitalisation of the primary healthcare system, upgrading and equipping 205 Primary Health Care Centres across the 23 Local Government Areas to ensure at least one functional facility per ward.
In addition, 15 general hospitals have been rehabilitated to enhance access to secondary healthcare services, while a 300-bed specialist hospital has been established to provide advanced medical care and reduce medical tourism.
The Commissioner further disclosed that the state, in collaboration with development partners, has established a Level II Intensive Care Unit and constructed three oxygen plants to ensure uninterrupted supply of life-saving oxygen across health facilities.
To strengthen the healthcare supply chain, she said the government renovated a 1,600-square-metre pharmaceutical-grade warehouse with an 8,000 cubic metre storage capacity, alongside plans for additional facilities to improve storage and distribution of medical supplies.
On human resources, Hajiya Umma Ahmed revealed that the government has implemented salary adjustments for doctors and other health workers, improved hazard allowances, and recruited over 1,800 healthcare personnel, with plans for continuous annual recruitment.
She added that Kaduna State has consistently maintained a health budget allocation close to the 15 per cent benchmark, while more than 700,000 residents have been enrolled in the state health insurance scheme, including vulnerable groups benefiting from free coverage.
According to her, these interventions have resulted in measurable improvements in maternal and child health outcomes, with increased access to safe delivery services and specialised newborn care.
She also highlighted the procurement and distribution of essential drugs, medical equipment, and 23 ambulances to strengthen emergency response services across the state.
The Commissioner commended development partners and frontline health workers for their continued dedication and called for sustained collaboration to further improve health outcomes across the state.
