From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
A Group under the auspices of Civic Impact For Sustainable Development Foundation has called on the Kaduna State Government to intensify its focus on child spacing initiatives as a strategic measure to reduce the state’s high maternal and child mortality rates.
This was contained in a Statement signed by Gabriel Adinga. and Waniya Darky Ilu Head of Policy, Research, and Data Management, and Head of participatory Governance and Sustainable Development respectively of the group.
The statement said that despite some improvements, the state’s health outcomes remain a pressing challenge with high child and maternal mortality rates attributed to inadequate support for comprehensive reproductive health programs.
The Group said that Child spacing allocations have remained abysmally low from 2023-2025, Little to no funds were released for child spacing programs from 2022-2024, spending on child spacing takes a backseat to non-essential items like Refreshment & Meals, Publicity & Advertisements, and Entertainment & Hospitality.
“We urge the Kaduna State government to allocate at least 10% of the total health budget to child spacing programmes, ensure timely release of allocated funds for child spacing programmes, and consider collaborating with international donor agencies and private sectors for partnerships.
The Group further said that increased investment in child spacing can accelerate reductions in out-of-pocket health expenditures, maternal mortality, neonatal mortality, and under-5 mortality.
“This strategic move will bring Kaduna State closer to realizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.
However, health advocates have emphasized the need for the government to Demonstrate an increased political role by raising cash-backed releases for child spacing commodities by at least 80% during the 2025 budget implementation, cutting spending on non-essential items, and redirecting funds to child spacing and local Government Councils should prioritize cash-backed releases for child spacing commodities.
By prioritizing these initiatives, Kaduna State can make significant progress in safeguarding the health of not only mothers but children as well.
“With all this in place, the Kaduna State Government can take a critical step towards improving health outcomes, reducing maternal and child mortality, and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.
