KADMAM, Media, Stakeholders Unite to Strengthen FP, MNCH Accountability in Kaduna

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM), has convened a strategic media parley aimed at strengthening advocacy, financing, and accountability for Family Planning (FP) and Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) services in Kaduna State.

The high-level engagement brought together journalists, civil society organizations (CSOs), and government representatives to deliberate on innovative approaches for advancing reproductive and child health outcomes through data-driven advocacy, stronger partnerships, and timely funding.

In his opening remarks, Garba Muhammad, Co-Chair of KADMAM, commended the Kaduna State Government for its sustained commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women and children under the leadership of Governor Uba Sani.

“We particularly recognize the government’s progressive policies and initiatives, such as the Maternal Mortality Reduction Investment Initiative (MAMII) and the HOPE Project which are transforming access to quality healthcare across the state,” Muhammad said.

He emphasized that despite significant progress, challenges such as delayed cash releases, dependence on donor funding for FP commodities, and weak coordination among stakeholders persist. Muhammad called for timely cash backing of FP/MNCH budget lines and urged the government to take full ownership of FP consumables procurement to ensure sustainability.

KADMAM also called on the media to strengthen its watchdog role by keeping FP/MNCH financing issues on the public agenda, tracking government commitments, and amplifying citizens’ voices for improved service delivery.

“The media remains one of our strongest allies in shaping public opinion, driving demand, and holding duty-bearers accountable,” Muhammad added.

The parley also featured a session on the role of CSOs, media, and government in advancing FP/MNCH, facilitated by Benjamin Maigari of KADMAM, who highlighted the need for joint accountability mechanisms, budget tracking, and evidence-based reporting. 

Participants identified key advocacy priorities, including strengthening CSO, Media and Government collaboration, advocating for timely release and utilization of funds, enhancing data sharing for evidence-based advocacy, and expanding IMAM services while revitalizing Primary Health Care (PHC) facilities across all 255 wards.

Garba used the opportunity to announce his appointment as the Chairman of a new coalition known as Alliance for Kaduna Accountability and Strategic Advocacy (AKASA) Network, with Jessica (CS-SUNN) as Secretary, and Rahila Ishaku Baita and Yusuf Goje (KADALGAM) as Executive Members.

Participants called on the Executive Arm of Government to ensure full and timely cash backing of FP/MNCH budget lines and to recognize FP/MNCH as a central pillar of Kaduna State’s development agenda.