By Ehis Agbon, Kaduna, 10 February 2025.
As the Anchor IV Project: Strengthening Nigeria’s Healthcare System for Improved Human Capital Development, a health initiative funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF) and implemented by Save the Children International (SCI), nears its conclusion, key stakeholders have gathered to assess its impact in Kaduna State.
The project, which began in April 2021 and is set to end in March 2025, was designed to enhance Human Capital Development (HCD) outcomes by improving critical aspects of the healthcare system. It focused on strengthening leadership and governance, increasing healthcare financing, engaging communities, and investing in a skilled healthcare workforce. Additionally, the project worked on upgrading health information systems, enhancing service delivery, and addressing gaps in the healthcare system.
Evaluating Progress and Impact
To assess the project’s success, a consultant was engaged to conduct an evaluation in collaboration with government officials, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders.
Speaking after a two-day write-shop assessment meeting held on February 7–8, 2025, in Kaduna, SCI Consultant, Dr. David Olayemi, highlighted the project’s positive impact on the state’s healthcare system.
“SCI received funding from BMGF four years ago to advocate for strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) in Kaduna. Now, as the project concludes, it is necessary to evaluate its implementation and impact,” he stated.
Dr. Olayemi praised Kaduna State’s commitment to implementing the Primary Health Care Under One Roof (PHCUOR) initiative, noting that the state is ahead of many others in Nigeria in terms of healthcare reforms.
“The successes recorded are not due to SCI alone but also the state government’s willingness to implement PHCUOR effectively. While we are yet to assess the service delivery aspect, our ultimate goal remains reducing maternal and child mortality,” he added.
Civil Society and Government Applaud SCI’s Efforts
Representing civil society organizations, Ms. Jessica Bartolomew, State Coordinator of Civil Society Scaling Up Nutrition in Nigeria (CS-SUNN), Kaduna State, commended SCI for its collaborative approach.
“Throughout the project, SCI engaged with civil society and the state government, focusing on system strengthening and capacity building. This partnership enabled us to advocate for key policies, such as improved nutrition and six months of paid maternity leave for mothers,” she noted.
Similarly, Danjuma Muhammed, Focal Person of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, acknowledged the project’s significant contributions to the state’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) goals.
He highlighted Kaduna’s three-phase PHC upgrade plan, which aims to improve 255 PHCs across all 23 local government areas (LGAs).
“For PHCs to meet the required standard, they must be climate-resilient, with at least 13 rooms, running water, adequate toilets, staff accommodations, fencing, and solar-powered lighting. So far, 185 PHCs have already been upgraded to solar energy by the state government,” he explained.
As the Anchor IV Project comes to an end, stakeholders agree that its impact has laid a strong foundation for sustainable healthcare improvements in Kaduna. The evaluation will help guide future interventions to further strengthen the health system and improve healthcare access for residents.
