Kaduna Health Stakeholders, Journalists Unite to Combat Misinformation, Boost Maternal Health
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Health sector leaders, journalists and development partners in Kaduna State have pledged stronger collaboration to combat misinformation, promote accountability and improve maternal and child health outcomes through evidence-based reporting.
The commitment was made on Tuesday at a one-day roundtable on “Strengthening Capacity to Generate Evidence-Based Stories and Shape Public Discourse on RMNCAH, PHC and Contributory Health Scheme,” organised by the Kaduna State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH), EngenderHealth Consortium and the Unified Health Media Network.
Speaking at the meeting, the Director of Public Health in the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar, warned that inaccurate health information could cost lives, stressing that all health interventions must be guided by credible data and sustained community engagement.
Representing the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar said while data is critical for planning and accountability, health programmes such as immunisation, nutrition, HIV, tuberculosis and maternal health services cannot succeed unless communities are fully informed and actively involved.
He disclosed that the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System, established last year, is being expanded to provide faster emergency response and reduce maternal deaths caused by delays in accessing healthcare.
According to him, the state has already established a command centre and deployed ambulances across Kaduna, with plans to extend services to community level through partnerships with transport workers.
“The system is not limited to general emergencies. We are working towards ensuring that pregnant women can access emergency transportation from their communities to health facilities at any time,” he said.
Dr. Abubakar called on journalists and civil society organisations to help raise public awareness about the toll-free emergency service, noting that many residents were yet to know about the initiative.
Earlier, Executive Director of ISMPH, Mrs. Moji Makanjuola, represented by Programme Officer Philip Mouneke, said the media remains a powerful force for shaping public opinion, promoting accountability and driving positive health outcomes.
She noted that health data generated through Integrated Supportive Supervision (ISS), RMNCAH indicators, PHC Facility Assessment Tool (PHC-FAT) scorecards and health insurance schemes must be translated into compelling stories capable of influencing policy and inspiring action.
Director-General of the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority, Abubakar Hassan, stressed the need for verified and accurate information, especially in the health sector where misinformation could have fatal consequences.
He said regular engagement among stakeholders was essential for reviewing progress, identifying gaps and strengthening health service delivery.
In separate remarks, Faith Zakari, State Monitoring and Evaluation Officer at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, and Haruna Adamu, Assistant Director, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency, emphasised the importance of data in decision-making and improving health sector performance.
Chairman of the Kaduna Health Advocacy and Media Alliance (KADHAMA), Garba Muhammad, reaffirmed the alliance’s commitment to promoting ethical, accurate and data-driven health reporting, describing the media as a critical partner in advancing public health.
Participants resolved to strengthen collaboration among government, media, civil society organisations and development partners to ensure that evidence drives public discourse and health policies in Kaduna State.
