In realization of the strategic position of the Media in influencing policy decisions, Kaduna State Maternal Accountability Mechanism has held a One- day Round Table Meeting with Media executives.
KADMAM, a multi sectoral mechanism, is soliciting support of the media in its current advocacy for adequate budget allocation, timely release and cash backing for the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent and Elderly Health+Nutrition, (RMNACAEH+N) in the State.
Membership which are drawn from State MDAs, CSOs, NGOs, religious and traditional institutions among others, are brought under One Roof by KADMAM for improved quality services in the State.
Having acknowledged the appreciable improvement on budget allocation, which has been One of its advocacy activities, KADMAM is however not happy with lack of cash- backing after Releases by the State Government. Thus, the suggestion that it would be better if the word ‘Release’ which is a financial terminology is changed to “Cash-backing” after approval was given.
A group photograph of participants
Meanwhile, KADMAM said it will work towards the reduction of maternal and child death by 10% in Kaduna State by 2027.
Already, strategic and advocacy objectives have been developed to achieve the goal.
KADMAM’s Vice Chairman, Advocacy Sub-committee, Dr. Suleiman Tanko who stated this in a presentation, said the coalitions would also ensure sustained and resilient financing of RMNCH+N in the State.
In order to meet their goals, Dr. Tanko said the coalitions embarked on RMNCAEH+N stock out investigation on availability and uptake of services around essential life saving commodities at some selected Secondary and Primary health facilities.
While acknowledging those who had contributed to the success of RMNCAH+N services in the State by crowning them as Champions, the Coalitions said they presented their Score card to the Ministry of Health and its agencies as part of their technical capacity.
On his part, Head of the Media sub- committee of the Coalitions, Garba Muhammad enjoined participants not to wait until they were called before doing their job saying that issues around maternal health are bound unreported.
While Garba Muhammad reaffirmed the readiness of KADMAM to always carry the media along in its advocacy activities with a view to achieve the set objectives, participants on the other hand offered suggestions on ways their organizations could contribute meaningfully.
The Ag. Co-chair, Isa Gidado had earlier enumerated the Coalitions technical capacity which include political and economic analysis, Score Card development, budget performance review, Develop advocacy review, budget tracking and analysis for advocacy and policy monitoring as well as proposal writing.
News Editor