Kaduna Health Council Charts New Path on Resilient Health System
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Kaduna State’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, has called for stronger collaboration, innovation, and sustained investment to build a health system capable of withstanding shocks and ensuring continuous service delivery to the people of the state.
Speaking at the 13th Kaduna State Council on Health held at Murtala Mohammed Square, Dr. Balarabe said the theme of this year’s Council “Global Health Security: Strengthening Health Systems for Resilience in Kaduna State” reflects the urgent need to reinforce systems that can absorb crises and remain functional.
According to her, pandemics like COVID-19 and the growing impacts of climate change have shown that health security is no longer optional but essential. “A strong and resilient health system is not a luxury, it is a lifeline,” she said, urging participants to deliberate boldly and propose actionable recommendations that can transform the health sector.
Dr. Balarabe highlighted key government efforts under the administration of Governor Uba Sani, including the development of the Human Resources for Health Policy, the Task Shifting and Sharing Policy, and the revitalization of primary healthcare facilities.
She also noted the implementation of the Health Sector Strategic Blueprint (HSSB) and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), which align the state’s health agenda with national goals through “One Plan, One Budget, One Report, One Conversation, and One Voice.”
The Deputy Governor stressed that true resilience demands more than infrastructure: “It requires institutions that can bend but not break — systems that continue to serve even in the storm.”
She emphasized the need for sustained financing, technology, and a motivated workforce, while calling for a One Health Approach that integrates human, animal, and environmental health to prevent future outbreaks.
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to building a responsive and inclusive health system.
She acknowledged Governor Uba Sani’s “people-centered leadership,” which has led to expanded access, improved service delivery, and continuous investments in health as a foundation for human capital development.
She urged participants to generate “practical, evidence-based recommendations” that would strengthen Kaduna’s capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to health threats while sustaining essential services.
Development partners echoed similar sentiments.
UNICEF’s Health Specialist, Dr. Idris Baba, pledged the agency’s support in aligning with the Council’s resolutions, describing the meeting as “a space where ideas are shared, challenges are confronted, and solutions are forged.”
The Gates Foundation, represented by Dr. Anthony Shamang, emphasized deliberate investments in primary healthcare, health financing, and workforce motivation as the backbone of resilience.
The Foundation pledged continued partnership with Kaduna State to achieve universal health coverage and preparedness against future health emergencies.
Zainab Waziri, representing the Lafiya Project, commended the government’s commitment to health reforms, citing the recruitment of 1,800 Lafiya-supported health workers and the establishment of a 300-bed specialist hospital as key milestones.
She assured continued collaboration to sustain the gains made so far.
As the Council continues deliberations, participants are expected to adopt actionable recommendations on financing, innovation, gender equity, and climate resilience, all geared toward achieving a stronger, more secure, and people-centered health system in Kaduna State.
