By Khadija Kubau
The Kaduna State Ministry of Health in collaboration with Engender Health Nigeria intensified efforts to promote inclusive and equitable healthcare delivery.
The Commissioner of Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, stated this at a one-day stakeholders’ meeting to validate findings from a baseline assessment and Gender, Youth, and Social Inclusion (GYSI) analysis held in Kaduna.
She described the meeting as both timely and strategic, noting that it comes at a critical point in Kaduna State’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its healthcare system.
Hajiya Umma Ahmed emphasized that the administration is committed to building a system that is not only efficient but also equitable and inclusive, ensuring that the needs of women, youth, and vulnerable populations are fully addressed.
She further stated that the findings from the baseline assessment and GYSI analysis would serve as vital evidence for informed policy planning and decision-making. According to her, integrating gender-responsive and inclusive approaches into health programming is essential for improving service delivery and achieving better health outcomes across communities.
The Commissioner reaffirmed that under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani, Kaduna State will continue to prioritize reforms that expand access, enhance quality, and promote inclusiveness in healthcare.
She also called on all stakeholders to actively engage with the findings, contribute meaningfully to discussions, and work collaboratively towards implementing sustainable, high-impact interventions that will leave no one behind.
In his address, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Board (SPHCB), Dr. Bello Jamoh, represented by the Director of Community Health Services, Nafisatu Musa Isah welcomed participants and expressed confidence that the meeting would generate practical, high-impact lessons to strengthen gender-responsive health programming across communities.
The government also expressed appreciation to its development partners, particularly EngenderHealth, for their sustained collaboration in strengthening the healthcare system in Kaduna State and across Nigeria.
Speaking on the objectives of the meeting, Zuleiqatu Pullo of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) emphasized the need to present and validate key findings, gather stakeholder input, and promote the integration of evidence-based and gender-responsive approaches into primary healthcare planning and implementation.
Earlier, Programme Manager at EngenderHealth, Abdulazeez Jumare, presented the baseline findings, highlighting critical gaps and opportunities for advancing inclusive healthcare interventions in the state.
Stakeholders at the meeting stressed that disparities across gender, age, and social groups persist, underscoring the need for deliberate and coordinated efforts to ensure no one is left behind.
The forum also provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the findings, validate outcomes, and contribute to actionable recommendations.
The Kaduna State Government reaffirmed its commitment to using evidence-based insights to drive impactful reforms, while urging stakeholders to sustain collaboration, openness, and shared responsibility in strengthening inclusive health systems.
