KanSLAM Calls for Increased Funding, Timely Release of MNCH Resources in Kano
By Ayeeshat J.Ahmad
The Kano State Led accountability mechanism KanSLAM, has called on the government to increase funding and ensure timely release of resources for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) to improve service delivery across the state.
The call was made during a media parley held at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, where stakeholders gathered to discuss pressing issues affecting women and children’s health, including family planning, nutrition, and maternal mortality.
Speaking at the event, Pharmacist Maimuna Yakubu Muhammad, Co-Chair of the CSO of KanSLAM, emphasized that while funding for MNCH has seen some increase, the delay in releasing these funds remains a major challenge.
“We are here to advocate for better funding of MNCH. Although the allocation is improving, the release is often delayed. We are urging the government to consider the health and nutrition needs of women and children more seriously,” she said.
She further stressed the need for targeted investment in family planning and nutrition services, noting that awareness alone is not enough without corresponding availability of services in health facilities.
“We create demand by encouraging people to visit hospitals, but government must ensure that services are available. This includes investing in family planning, nutrition, and recruiting qualified health personnel,” she added.
In his presentation, the facilitator of the media parley, Sulaiman Umar Ismail, highlighted the importance of assessing government budget allocations to the health sector, particularly in areas affecting maternal and child health.
“We examined the government’s budget allocation to the Ministry of Health, focusing on maternal mortality, pregnancy care, family planning, and MNCH. While funds are allocated, they are not sufficient considering the wide scope of healthcare needs,” he explained.
He noted that the growing population, especially women of reproductive age, requires increased and sustained investment to ensure improved health outcomes across the state.
“We want the government to invest more in MNCH because the health sector is broad, and current funding is not enough to meet the needs of the people,” he added.
During the session, Safiyanu Bichi Participant recommended improved and timely release of funds to enable efficient service delivery, as well as increased budgetary allocation to MNCH and family planning programmes.
He also stressed the importance of considering population dynamics, particularly the increasing number of women in reproductive age, in planning and budgeting for health services.
Pulse Time Nigeria reports that the meeting, held on Thursday at the NUJ Press Centre in Kano, brought together media professionals and civil society organizations to deliberate on strategies for improving health outcomes for women and children in the state.