CSOsTo Address KADCHMA Funding Gaps

Civil society organisations under the Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) have pledged to intensify advocacy efforts to tackle the persistent issue of the Kaduna State government’s non-remittance of counterpart staff health contributions to the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Agency (KADCHMA).

The resolution was reached at a one-day joint advocacy meeting held on Saturday in Kaduna. KADMAM convened the meeting in collaboration with the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), EngenderHealth-led consortium partners, other development agencies and media stakeholders.

Discussions at the forum also focused on strengthening accountability for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and improving Primary Health Care (PHC) services in the state.

In his welcome remarks, KADMAM Co-chair (CSO), Garba Muhammad, described the planned high-level advocacy to the state governor as crucial for preserving and enhancing gains made in healthcare delivery.

“We intend to embark on targeted advocacy to the state governor, urging his intervention as a key step toward sustaining and enhancing the healthcare service delivery achievements of the scheme,” he said.

Muhammad highlighted the achievements of previous KADMAM-led advocacy, such as media outlets providing free airtime for women-led CSOs to air health-focused programmes and the accelerated release of the 2022 Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) by the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board.

He also applauded the ongoing Social and Citizens Accountability for PHC Performance (SCAPP) initiative, implemented with BudgIT, which has been instrumental in improving service delivery in 200 PHC facilities nationwide.

The forum emphasised the importance of synergy among civil society groups, media, and development partners in promoting transparency, equity, and inclusiveness in health policymaking. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring community voices remain central in shaping health policies and implementation.

Speaking on behalf of ISMPH, Programme Director Solomon Dogo described the meeting as

“A platform for identifying actionable solutions and building stronger partnerships to improve healthcare outcomes.”

He conveyed greetings from the ISMPH executive director, Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, and stressed the importance of collaborative action.

“Our collaboration is vital in addressing the RMNCAH and PHC agenda and promoting improved health outcomes. Let’s work together to identify actionable solutions and drive meaningful impact,” he added.

In a goodwill message, Isa Gidado, State Team Lead of LISDEL, expressed optimism that the meeting would yield.

“Realistic next steps that can be implemented for the benefit of communities.”

Also speaking, Ayobami Afape, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer at Pathfinder International, revealed that the organisation is spearheading a high-level advocacy initiative involving respected figures such as Sheikh Gumi aimed at reforming primary healthcare delivery across Kaduna State.

The meeting concluded with renewed commitment to five key priorities: boosting healthcare funding, expanding insurance access for vulnerable groups, improving health infrastructure, enhancing community engagement, and reducing health disparities across the state.