The Centre for Communication and Social Impact, in collaboration with EngenderHealth, has concluded a two-day workshop in Kaduna on Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health, and the strengthening of Primary Health Care (PHC) systems in the state.
Participants were drawn from Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) under the state’s Maternal Accountability Mechanism (KADMAM) on developing and implementing the Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) advocacy initiatives.
Other participants were drawn from the media, relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and donor partners.
The participants were equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to sharpen their advocacy skills and demand more effective action from the government.
The Acting Director of Family and Community Health Services at the state’s PHC Board, Hajiya Habiba Ahmed Aliyu warned that adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing concern in the state.
She noted that four Local Government Areas had recorded the highest cases of adolescent pregnancy, with early child marriage still prevalent in the North and teenage pregnancies common among unmarried adolescents in the South.
Aliyu expressed concern that funding challenges threaten progress, while gaps in health workforce recruitment and retention remain a major setback.
However, she assured that the state is currently revitalising 255 health facilities, with about 147 near completion.
She also noted that family planning commodities remain available, despite minor shortages of some injectables, and essential maternal and newborn medicines are being distributed with support from partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNFPA.
Representing the Gates Foundation, Dr. Anthony Shamang praised CSOs as ‘the voice of the voiceless’ and stressed that their role in holding government accountable is critical. ‘Unlike government reports that may paint only one side, your perspectives bring out the realities on the ground’, he said.
Mr, Bayo Ewuola of Pathfinder International noted that universal health coverage cannot be achieved without stronger PHC systems and committed advocates ready to push for accountability.
The Senior Programme Manager for CCSI, Oluyemi Abodunrin facilitated the session on SMART advocacy, breaking it down as a strategy of pursuing realistic short-term wins that build momentum for long-term change. He explained that the difference between advocacy, social behaviour change, and activism must be clear, but they all play a role in driving health reforms.
KADMAM’s Co-chairman, Comrade Garba Muhammad stressed that advocacy and media engagement are critical to their mission. He thanked EngenderHealth and partners for supporting civil society to raise stronger voices for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
