By FAIZA ABUBAKAR, Kaduna

Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM), journalists and policymakers in Kaduna State, have undergone intensive training on SMART advocacy; strategy designed to promote Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) systems in the state.

The two-day workshop, organized by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) in collaboration with EngenderHealth consortium partners, brought together stakeholders from government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) the media, and donor organizations.

The goal was to sharpen advocacy skills and empower participants to demand stronger government action in addressing critical health issues.

Speaking at the session, Hajiya Habiba Ahmed Aliyu, Acting Director of Family and Community Health Services at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, described adolescent pregnancy as a major challenge. She revealed that four Local Government Areas currently record the highest cases, noting that while early marriage sometimes involving girls as young as 12 is more common in the north, teenage pregnancies in the south are largely among unmarried adolescents.

Hajiya Habiba highlighted persistent funding gaps and workforce shortages but assured that government efforts are ongoing, including the revitalization of 255 health facilities, with 147 near completion. She added that family planning commodities are generally available, while essential maternal and newborn medicines are being supplied with support from partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNFPA.

Dr. Anthony Shamang, representing the Gates Foundation, commended KADMAM on their crucial role in holding government accountable.

“Unlike government reports that may paint only one side, your perspectives bring out the realities on the ground,” he said.

Bayo Ewuola of Pathfinder International stressed that universal health coverage remains impossible without stronger PHC systems and committed advocates pressing for accountability.

Facilitating the session, Oluyemi Abodunrin, Senior Programme Manager at CCSI, said SMART advocacy focuses on setting short-term, achievable wins that create momentum for long-term change. He also explained the differences between advocacy, social behaviour change and activism — each vital in advancing health reforms.

On behalf of CSOs, KADMAM Co-chairman Garba Muhammad underscored the importance of advocacy and media engagement in amplifying community voices, thanking partners for empowering civil society to push for better services for women, children and vulnerable groups.

Participants expressed optimism that, with sustained support, CSOs and media will continue to play a central role in holding government accountable and driving positive reforms in Kaduna’s health sector.

• PHOTO: Participants at the intensive training on SMART advocacy; strategy designed to promote Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) systems in the state.