By FAUZIYYA GARBA, Kaduna

The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) has called on the Kaduna State Government to strengthen the implementation of the 2026 health budget in order to accelerate efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths across the state.

KADMAM made the call in a statement issued on Sunday to commemorate the 2026 International Women’s Day, noting that while the global event celebrates the achievements and resilience of women, it also provides an opportunity to reflect on the urgent health challenges threatening the lives of women and children.

According to the organisation, maternal mortality and deaths of children under the age of five remain serious public health concerns in Nigeria, stressing that improved investment and effective implementation of health policies are critical to reversing the trend.

The group commended the Kaduna State Government for prioritising the health sector, particularly initiatives aimed at strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) services, which serve as the first point of care for most women and children in both rural and urban communities.

KADMAM also welcomed the recent distribution of modern medical equipment and ambulances to Primary Health Care facilities across the state, describing the move as a step toward improving service delivery, emergency response and referral systems.

Governor Uba Sani had explained that the intervention represents the second tranche of state-of-the-art medical equipment distributed to PHCs by his administration since assuming office, aimed at improving access to quality healthcare at the grassroots.

However, the organisation stressed that infrastructure and equipment alone would not solve the challenge of maternal and child mortality. It noted that consistent funding, availability of essential medicines, skilled health workers and expanded access to family planning services remain critical to reducing preventable deaths.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, we call on government, development partners, civil society organisations and community leaders to intensify efforts toward ensuring that no woman dies while giving life and that every child has the opportunity to survive and thrive,” the statement added.

The statement was signed by Garba Muhammad, mnipr, Co-Chair, Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) and dated March 8, 2026.