By Alhassan Abdullahi, Kaduna
A two-day workshop was recently held in Kaduna State to train Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Maternal Accountability Mechanism Initiative in Kaduna (KADMAM) on developing and implementing SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) advocacy initiatives.
The training aimed to advance Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and strengthen Primary Health Care (PHC) systems in the state.
The workshop, organized by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) in collaboration with EngenderHealth consortium partners, gathered CSOs, media representatives, government officials from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), and donor partners.
The participants were equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to sharpen their advocacy skills and demand more effective action from the government.
In her remarks, Leader Hajiya Habiba Ahmed Aliyu, Acting Director of Family and Community Health Services at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, warned that adolescent pregnancy remains a pressing concern in the state.
She noted that four Local Government Areas have recorded the highest cases of adolescent pregnancy, with early child marriage still prevalent in the north and teenage pregnancies common among unmarried adolescents in the south.
“Despite past interventions, Hajiya Habiba expressed concern that funding challenges threaten progress, while gaps in health workforce recruitment and retention remain a major setback.
However, she assured that Kaduna State is currently revitalizing 255 health facilities, with about 147 near completion.
She also noted that family planning commodities remain available, despite minor shortages of some injectables, and essential maternal and newborn medicines are being distributed with support from partners, including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNFPA.
Dr. Anthony Shamang, representing the Gates Foundation, praised CSOs as “the voice of the voiceless” and stressed that their role in holding government accountable is critical. “Unlike government reports that may paint only one side, your perspectives bring out the realities on the ground,” he said.
Mr, Bayo Ewuola of Pathfinder International shared the same opinion, noting that universal health coverage cannot be achieved without stronger PHC systems and committed advocates ready to push for accountability.
Oluyemi Abodunrin, Senior Programme Manager for CCSI, facilitated the session on SMART advocacy, breaking it down as a strategy of pursuing realistic short-term wins that build momentum for long-term change. He explained that the difference between advocacy, social behavior change, and activism must be clear, but all play a role in driving health reforms.
The Co-chairman of KADMAM, Comrade Garba Muhammad, stressed that advocacy and media engagement are critical to their mission. He thanked EngenderHealth and partners for supporting civil society to raise stronger voices for women, children, and vulnerable groups.
The training workshop was a significant step towards equipping CSOs with the skills and knowledge needed to develop and implement effective advocacy initiatives that promote RMNCAH and strengthen PHC systems in Kaduna State.
With the support of partners and stakeholders, CSOs can play a critical role in holding government accountable and driving positive change in the health sector.
