Save the Children International says it will continue to partner with journalists to create the needed awareness on health, nutrition, and social protection services to improve the lives of children in Kaduna state.
The team leader of the Organization in Kaduna State, Mr Tanko Langaya made this known in Zaria, at a two-day biannual review meeting of its Media Working Group.
Mr Langaya explained that, the partnership would inspire citizens to demand for quality health and nutrition, education, social and child protection services and push the government to provide such quality services.
This according to him is critical to ensuring that the government carry out its duties and delivers on its commitments.
Also speaking , the Advocacy and Campaign Coordinator Save the Children International Mr Abdulkadir said the Organization would support the establishment of the Children Parliament in Kaduna State.
Mr Abdulkadir noted that, the parliament, which would be established in partnership with the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, would serve as the highest children advocacy platform in the state.
According to him, the platform would be crucial in amplifying children’s voices and strengthening their participation in the decision-making process on issues that concern them.
He said that parliament would be established under the Gates Advocacy Project and Expanding Social Protection for Inclusive Development Project (ESPID).
He explained that the Gates Advocacy project is a four-year health and nutrition advocacy project funded by Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Mr Faruk Abdulkadir further revealed that, it aims was to strengthen health systems, governance, leadership, health financing and community participation.
Abdulkadir added that the ESPID project was funded by UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, to strengthen inclusive social protection systems for overall development.
He said the SCI had supported the strengthening of the state’s health systems since the inception of the project in May.
He however stated that, the Organization would equally engage the state’s House of Assembly on achieving Universal Health Coverage in the state among other supports.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Media Working Group, Mr Philip Yatai explained that the objective of the meeting was to review successes and challenges of the group in the reportage of issues affecting children.
Yatai reminded media partners of their commitments to give voice to children, influence social and behavioral change through awareness creation and public mobilization for the protection of children and hold the government to account.
COV/AMINU DALHATU