Kaduna State Champions Science-Led Health Transformation on World Health Day 2026
By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna
Kaduna State is setting a new benchmark for health governance in Nigeria, emphasizing science, evidence-based planning, and citizen-focused interventions.
This was highlighted yesterday during the World Health Day 2026 press conference by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Umma K. Ahmed, under the theme *“Together for Health – Stand with Science.”
Since 2023, when Governor Uba Sani assumed office, health has been placed at the center of the state’s development agenda.
Commissioner Ahmed told journalists, “Our commitment is not just in words but in measurable outcomes that have improved access, quality, and equity in healthcare.
“Kaduna State has long faced challenges such as inadequate health infrastructure, shortage of trained health workers, and limited access to quality care, particularly for mothers and newborns.
“To tackle these, the government has revitalized 255 Primary Healthcare Centres across all 23 Local Government Areas and rehabilitated 15 secondary health facilities.
“A 300-bed Specialist Hospital has also been constructed to reduce medical tourism and bring specialized care closer to residents.”
Commissioner said, in partnership with UNICEF, a Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit has been established, improving survival rates for newborns. Three oxygen plants have been installed to ensure uninterrupted supply of life-saving oxygen, and modern pharma-grade warehouses safeguard essential medicines.
“These investments are transforming our health system, saving lives and bringing care closer to the people who need it most.”
On human resources, she noted, “A health system is only as strong as its workforce. That is why we have fully implemented salary structures for all doctors and healthcare workers, and recruited over 1,800 additional PHC staff, with plans for annual recruitment over the next five years.”
Kaduna State has maintained health budget allocations above the 15% Abuja Declaration threshold and expanded its health insurance scheme to cover 761,288 residents, including more than 100,000 vulnerable citizens free of charge.
Ahmed highlighted, “No one should be denied access to healthcare because of financial hardship. Our insurance scheme ensures that every resident, especially mothers and children, can receive the care they need.”
She emphasized that the state has recorded measurable improvements in maternal and neonatal health outcomes, adding “These are not just statistics; these are lives saved and families preserved.
“Kaduna State’s health achievements have attracted both national and international recognition, including the International Award of Excellence in Supply Chain, and multiple national awards for disease surveillance, neglected tropical diseases, and maternal health improvement.”
Commissioner Ahmed added, “Our work is far from over. We remain committed to expanding universal health coverage, strengthening disease surveillance, investing in our health workforce, and leveraging technology to ensure no one is left behind. Through science-led governance, we are translating evidence into policies that save lives.”
