By Joseph Edegbo :
Family Health Advocates in Nigeria Initiative (FHANI) has applauded the commitment and increasing investment in child spacing (CS) by the present administration in Kaduna State, since 2017.
A statement by Secretary of FHANI, Mr. Iliya Kure says the practical demonstration of the uncommon steps by Kaduna State to procure child spacing commodities to the tune of N250 million should be applauded by all.
“Kaduna State Government had sought for permission from the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) to procure child spacing commodities, which was the exclusive reserve of the FMoH. Approval with an advice to make such procurement through UNFPA was granted in 2019.
“FHANI is aware that Governor Nasir Ahmad El-Rufa’i has since the third quarter of the year issued a directive for disbursement of funds to UNFPA for procurement of child spacing commodities and consumables. We are optimistic that the items would be available soonest in the State to reach the end users – we eagerly await arrival of the products.
‘FHANI which held a Roundtable Meeting last September with critical stakeholders on child spacing, including Government officials, traditional and religious leaders, CSOs and development partners, has not been relenting in following up on the issue and making sure Kaduna State government delivers on its Commitment on CS and other health issues.
‘We acknowledge the cordial working relationship between FHANI and relevant Government Organs including State Ministry of Health, State Ministry of Finance, State Planning and Budget Commission, State Primary Health Care Board and the State Health Supplies Management Agency”, the statement concludes.