Stakeholders Champion Community-led Accountability At Health Dialogue In Kaduna

Kaduna State’s push for transparency and citizen participation in the health sector gained momentum as government’s representatives, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and development partners converged for the latest edition of the OpenKadunaHealthSectorDialogue. It is a quarterly accountability platform convened by the Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM).

In a series of keynote remarks, three principal speakers: the co-chair of KADMAM, the emir of Zazzau and the representative of the deputy governor, underscored the importance of community oversight in primary health care (PHC) financing and reaffirmed commitments to strengthening health governance in the state.

Delivering the welcome address, the co-chair of KADMAM Muhammad Garba said, the dialogue was designed to deepen transparency, community participation, and evidence based decision making in the health sector.

He explained that the platform tracks allocation and utilisation of health funds through facility spot checks, public reporting, and multi-stakeholder engagement.

He said, “This dialogue is more than a meeting, It is a reaffirmation of trust and a collective step toward a Kaduna State where maternal and child deaths are eliminated, and health systems work for everyone.”

He commended stakeholders including SLAMs from Lagos and Kano, development partners, ministries, and traditional institutions for supporting a model that promotes citizen oversight and strengthens health outcomes.

In his remarks, His Royal Highness, Amb. Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, the Emir of Zazzau, emphasised the critical role of traditional institutions in driving health-seeking behaviour at the grassroots.

He commended KADMAM for championing community accountability and pledged continued support from the Emirate Council.

“As chairman of the Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, we remain committed to intensifying sensitization efforts,” he said. The emir encouraged families to prioritise antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and routine immunisation, describing maternal and child health as the foundation of a prosperous society.

He also extended appreciation to development partners and sister accountability mechanisms from Lagos and Kano, saying their collaboration strengthens health outcomes not only in Kaduna State but across the country.

In her goodwill message, Kaduna State deputy governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe reaffirmed Kaduna State’s commitment to openness in governance.

Represented by the commissioner for Health, Hajia Umma K Ahmed he commended KADMAM and the Kaduna State Ministry of Health for aligning the dialogue with the values of the Open Government Partnership (OGP).

“Ensuring that the health sector is open, inclusive, and responsive is a governance priority and a moral obligation,”

On his part, another co- chairman Mubarak Abdulganiyu Al-Ameer highlighted that the convening also marked the fulfilment of a key milestone in the State Action Plan under the OGP, particularly the improvement of service delivery in health and education.

The message outlined five recommendations to accelerate governance reforms: institutionalising citizens’ participation; strengthening open health data; deepening collaboration with civil society; promoting accountability mechanisms; and ensuring full transparency in health financing from allocation to utilisation.

The dialogue brought together senior government officials, traditional rulers, development partners, civil society actors, and community representatives who are all united in a shared goal to improve Primary Health Care delivery and advance maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes.

Participants emphasised that sustained collaboration will be key to building a health system that serves every resident with dignity as Kaduna positions itself as a state committed to transparency and citizen led accountability.