Kaduna State Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe has inaugurated 12 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Innovations Champions on Tuesday, marking a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes for women and children in the state.
The groundbreaking program is a collaborative effort between the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), Pathfinder, and the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP).
It aims to tackle persistent maternal and child health challenges through a multifaceted approach.
The inaugural group comprises a diverse team of 12 distinguished individuals, including traditional rulers, healthcare professionals, religious leaders, and media experts. The champions are divided into two a priority committee and an advocacy committee.
Key members include Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamali, the Emir of Zazzau; Professor Clara Ejembi, a renowned public health expert; and Professor Oladapo Sunday Shittu, a distinguished Obstetrics and Gynaecology specialist.
During the inauguration, the Deputy Governor highlighted the state’s ongoing healthcare challenges, particularly the high rates of maternal and child morbidity and mortality.
She emphasized that addressing these issues requires a collaborative approach involving government, professional associations, development partners, civil society organizations, and community leaders.
The deputy governor outlined the state government’s significant progress in healthcare which includes the establishment of at least one functional Primary Healthcare Center (PHC) in every ward, equipping healthcare facilities with essential medicines and medical equipment, and commissioning a state-of-the-art pharma-grade warehouse to enhance drug storage and distribution
Dr Balarabe stated that the initiative is a significant milestone in Senator Uba Sani’s administrations collective efforts to improve the health and well-being of women, infants, and children across our state and the nation.
She added that the Kaduna State Government recognizes that improving maternal and child health requires a comprehensive, collaborative strategy. By bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds, the program aims to create a holistic approach to addressing healthcare challenges.
“Together, we can build a future where no mother dies while giving life, where no child suffers from preventable diseases, and where every woman receives the quality healthcare she deserves,” the deputy governor emphasized.
She futher stated that by becoming the first state in Nigeria to pilot this innovative champions program, Kaduna State is setting a precedent for comprehensive, collaborative healthcare improvement.
The diverse group of champions brings together expertise from healthcare, media, religion, and community leadership to address one of the most critical healthcare challenges facing the state.
The newly inaugurated MNCH Innovations Champions will be responsible for:
- Driving advocacy for maternal and child health
- Fostering collaboration among various stakeholders
- Implementing evidence-based healthcare innovations
- Raising awareness about critical health issues
