By Alhassan Abdullahi, Kaduna
A two-day capacity-building workshop has been held in Kaduna State to equip Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) under the Maternal Accountability Mechanism Initiative in Kaduna (KADMAM) with skills to design and implement SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) advocacy initiatives.
The training, aimed at advancing Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) and reinforcing Primary Health Care (PHC) systems, was organized by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) in collaboration with EngenderHealth consortium partners.
The event brought together CSOs, media representatives, government officials from relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as donor partners. Participants were trained on practical advocacy strategies to better engage policymakers and demand improved health interventions.
In her remarks, Hajiya Habiba Ahmed Aliyu, Acting Director of Family and Community Health Services at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, highlighted adolescent pregnancy as a persistent challenge in the state.
She disclosed that four Local Government Areas currently record the highest cases, noting that while early marriage remains widespread in the north, teenage pregnancies among unmarried adolescents are more prevalent in the south.
Hajiya Habiba further pointed out that although family planning commodities and essential maternal medicines are available with support from partners such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and UNFPA, gaps in health workforce recruitment and funding constraints continue to undermine progress.
She however assured that the state government is revitalizing 255 health facilities, with 147 nearing completion.
Representing the Gates Foundation, Dr. Anthony Shamang described CSOs as “the voice of the voiceless,” stressing their role in ensuring government accountability.
Similarly, Mr. Bayo Ewuola of Pathfinder International emphasized that achieving universal health coverage depends on strong PHC systems and effective advocacy.
Oluyemi Abodunrin, Senior Programme Manager at CCSI, facilitated sessions on SMART advocacy, urging participants to focus on realistic short-term goals that build momentum for sustainable health reforms.
He clarified the distinctions between advocacy, social behavior change, and activism, noting that all three are necessary in driving systemic improvements.
On his part, Comrade Garba Muhammad, Co-chairman of KADMAM, reiterated the importance of advocacy and media partnership in amplifying the voices of women, children, and vulnerable groups. He expressed gratitude to EngenderHealth and other partners for supporting civil society efforts in the state.
The workshop underscored the critical role of CSOs in shaping policy, holding government accountable, and pushing for stronger PHC systems.
With sustained collaboration among stakeholders, the initiative is expected to drive impactful reforms that will improve RMNCAH outcomes in Kaduna State.
