Encomium as Gates Anchor Grant ends in Kaduna ….. we’ll build on learnings – Govt

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

Kaduna State Government, Donor partners and other stakeholders in the health sector on Wednesday, celebrated the successful completion of the Gates Advocacy Anchor IV Grant in Kaduna State.

The stakeholders showered encomium on the four years project implemented by Save the Children International (SCI), funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, describing it impact as hundred percent positive.

The aim of the grant was to support a conducive enabling policy environment, domestic resource mobilization as well as strengthen accountability processes for citizens to influence health and nutrition financing through evidence-based advocacy.

Speaking at the closeout event, Director General of the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), Abubakar Hassan, noted that “Save the Children has been instrumental in supporting us supporting us to succeed with policies and strategies that shaped our implementation and we are going to build on our learnings of the project.”

“The project has had a positive impact on our work. We wouldn’t have succeeded without them”

Highlighting key areas where the grant supported the government,  Hassan, said it made a significant difference in the development of a health financing policy in the State and creation of a communication strategy for KADCHMA.

“These initiatives have improved how our agency interacts and engages with communities and individuals, leading to an influx of people joining the contributory scheme.

“We appreciate Save the Children’s support and won’t take it for granted.

“We’ll build on the learnings from today’s dissemination, particularly collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education to target our younger population”, He added.

Hassan assured that KADCHMA will push forward with these initiatives, ensuring a smooth transition and placement of change for a better future.

In his remark, a Consultant representing the Gates Foundation and Aliko Dangote Foundation, Dr Onah Joseph, expressed excitement about the program’s progress and eagerness to see the next steps implemented. 

He praised the team’s efforts and emphasized the importance of ensuring the system’s sustainability over time.

He said “the four-year program has achieved significant improvements in health indices in Kaduna State. Sustainability and community ownership are crucial for the program’s long-term success”.

Also speaking, Permanent Secretary of State’s Ministry of Health, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq, said the project has greatly improved improved reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and elderly health outcomes in the State.

Dr. Sadiq explained that the project has contributed to the improved health indices in the State, such as reduced maternal mortality rate, decreased infant and under-five mortality rates and lower nutritional indices for malnutrition.

While commending Save Children for the initiative, the Permanent Secretary, noted that the program has trained local personnel to take over and continue its initiatives, stressed the need for partnerships between the government, non-governmental organizations, and communities to ensure a sustainable health system.

She added that, the programme focused on creating a conducive environment for sufficient and efficient use of health resources, strengthening primary health care facilities, and establishing stronger local institutions.

 She therefore encouraged community members to take ownership of their health sector, reporting any issues or misappropriations to the relevant authorities, emphasizing the need for communities to be responsible for their own health, rather than relying solely on donor agencies and the government.

Speaking on the sideline of the event, Program Manager, Save the Children Nigeria, Dr. Felicia Meriga, appreciated the partners for the success of the program in Kaduna.

She echoed that the program has improved health indices, such as reduced maternal and infant mortality rates, strengthened community structures and local government empowerment and increased involvement of community structures in health decision-making

However, Dr. Meriga also noted challenges, particularly in health financing, where despite positive allocations, there were issues with release, cashback and expenditure.

On his part, Advocacy, Campaign and Policy Manager at Save the Children, Ifedilichukwu Innocent noted that despite challenges, the program had done well in its design with consideration for the local context – involving all stakeholders, including communities, CSOs, governments and media.

Various speakers at the event emphasized the importance of sustainability and continued advocacy to ensure that the gains made by the program are maintained and built upon.