The Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, has appealed to individuals and development partners to join hands in advancing nutrition interventions
Deputy Director of the Planning and Budget Commission, Kaduna State, Mrs. Priscilla Dariya, made the appeal during an advocacy visit to the Kaduna State Ministry of Health.
She said the ministry had been identified for a national award in recognition of its commitment, passion, and dedication to the well-being of women, children, and the education of the girl child.
According to her, the state government has taken note of the ministry’s efforts and commitment towards improving healthcare and nutrition outcomes, noting that the award would soon be presented at the national level for others to emulate.
Also speaking, the Commissioner of Health, Kaduna State, Hajiya Ummah K Ahmad, said Governor Uba Sani remained passionate about the welfare of the people, especially vulnerable groups such as women, children, and the girl child.
She noted that the governor believes no woman should lose her life and no child between the ages of zero and five should die from preventable diseases.
Hajia Ummah explained that this informed the government’s efforts towards ensuring hospitals are functional, adequately equipped, and capable of providing quality and affordable healthcare services.
She further disclosed that 180 Primary Healthcare Centres have been upgraded to Level Two status and are now operating 24 hours daily with adequate manpower and modern medical equipment.
Hajia Ummah said thirty three secondary healthcare facilities and about fifteen were currently undergoing total renovation, with the provision of modern equipment and recruitment of additional health workers to improve service delivery across the state.
The Commissioner further explained that Governor Uba Sani was passionate about girl-child education, with efforts focused on increasing school enrollment and ensuring girls remained in school until completion.
Also speaking, the National Chairperson of Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria, Jessica Bartholomew, commended the Kaduna State Government for its commitment to healthcare, nutrition, and girl-child education.
She stated that the governor’s dedication and efforts of stakeholders at both state and local government levels have distinguished Kaduna State as a model worthy of recognition and national awards.
According to her, several states across the country were already learning from and adopting Kaduna State’s approaches to healthcare delivery, nutrition intervention, and women and child welfare because of the government’s passion and commitment to the well-being of its citizens.
Ms Jessica Bartholomew added that the forthcoming conference and recognition would provide an opportunity for other states and stakeholders to learn from Kaduna State’s achievements and emulate its good practices.
Also speaking, officials from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria observed that Kaduna State had recorded remarkable improvements over the last five years in areas such as nutrition, healthcare delivery, rehabilitation of medical facilities, and the reduction of malnutrition among children.
Fatima Aliyu, KADUNA
