By FAUZIYYA ABUBAKAR, Kaduna

The Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) and the Alliance for Kaduna Accountability and Strategic Advocacy (AKASA Network) have called for increased health financing, improved budget performance and stronger accountability in Nigeria’s health sector.

The groups made the call in a joint statement issued on Tuesday in commemoration of the 2026 World Health Day, urging accelerated action toward equitable, accessible and people-centred healthcare.

They noted that despite ongoing interventions, gaps in family planning, maternal, newborn and child health (FP/MNCH), as well as immunisation coverage, continue to fuel preventable deaths, particularly at the community level.

The networks specifically urged governments at all levels to prioritise the health sector in the 2026 budget cycle, stressing that increased allocation must be matched with timely releases, efficient utilisation and measurable outcomes.

“KADMAM and AKASA Network emphasise that increased budgetary allocation must be matched with timely releases, efficient utilisation, and measurable outcomes, particularly for women and children,” the statement said.

The organisations, however, commended the Kaduna State Government for strides recorded in strengthening the health system. They cited the upgrade of 255 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to Level-2 facilities and the establishment of 23 PHC Centres of Excellence across the state’s 23 local government areas.

Other achievements highlighted include the development of a pharma-grade Kaduna State Health Supplies Management Agency (KADHSMA) warehouse to enhance medicine availability, the creation of 120 neonatal corners and the rollout of the Kaduna State Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (KADSEMSAS).

They also noted the institutionalisation of key policies such as the Public Health Law and the Integrated RMNCAEH+N Strategy as indicators of commitment to sustainable healthcare delivery.

The groups called for expanded investments in family planning and maternal and child health services, alongside intensified community sensitisation on routine immunisation.

They further stressed the need to promote hospital-based deliveries attended by skilled health workers and sustained investments in PHCs through improved infrastructure, commodities, workforce capacity and outreach services.

The statement was signed by Garba Muhammad, Co-Chair and Chairman of KADMAM, and AKASA Network, and Dr. Suleiman Yanko, Secretary, KADMAM.

The statement underscored the role of traditional, religious and community leaders in driving behavioural change and improving service uptake, while also advocating for the structured inclusion of civil society organisations in monitoring health sector resources.

“As World Health Day 2026 is marked, we reaffirm our commitment to collaborative advocacy and urge government and partners to translate commitments into concrete actions that guarantee quality healthcare for all, especially women, children and vulnerable populations,” the statement added.