Kaduna PHC Boss Advocates Stronger Community Systems, Workforce Motivation to Tackle Sector Challenges

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (KSPHCB), Professor Bello A. Jamoh, has called for urgent and strategic investment in strengthening community health systems, improving healthcare workers’ welfare, and sustaining local partnerships to overcome persistent challenges in the state’s health sector.

In a presentation on Community Engagement at the 13th Kaduna State Council on Health, Prof. Jamoh outlined several recommendations to reposition the health system for better service delivery.

He emphasized the need to build stronger community structures to support healthcare delivery at the grassroots, prioritize health worker motivation, and sustain health financing mechanisms that ensure equitable access to essential services across the state.

“We must strengthen our community health structures and motivate our health workforce if we truly want sustainable results.

“Our focus should be on practical, community-driven solutions that improve access and outcomes,” he said. 

However, Prof. Jamoh acknowledged that despite commendable progress, Kaduna still faces major health system bottlenecks, including inadequate human resources, weak referral systems, and infrastructure gaps, especially in rural areas.

He expressed concern over the high attrition rate of trained health workers, which continues to undermine service delivery and disrupts continuity of care. 

According to him, the migration of skilled personnel and limited incentives for those who remain at primary health facilities remain a major setback.

Another pressing issue, he said, is the need for timely release of funds and improved coordination among health partners to reduce duplication and wastage. 

He also noted that some communities still struggle with poor health-seeking behavior, which affects immunization coverage and maternal health outcomes.

The Executive Secretary further identified the maintenance of cold chain systems, inadequate logistics for outreach services, and the rising cost of essential commodities as areas requiring government and partner attention.

Prof. Jamoh called for a renewed commitment to accountability, innovation, and collaboration, stressing that sustained partnerships with development agencies, traditional institutions, and community-based organizations would be key to achieving the goals of Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kaduna State.

“We must move from conversation to coordinated action. 

“If we align our resources, motivate our people, and engage our communities, we can build a more resilient health system for Kaduna State,” he added.