Kaduna, Nigeria – Stakeholders from donor organizations, government agencies, and civil society groups have called for the sustainability of gains recorded through the Gates Advocacy Anchor IV Grant, a four-year health sector intervention that concluded in March 2025.
The project, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and implemented by Save the Children International (SCI) Nigeria, has played a critical role in improving healthcare policies, mobilizing domestic resources, and strengthening accountability in Kaduna State’s health sector since 2021.
At the closeout and dissemination meeting held on March 19, 2025, in Kaduna, key players in the health sector reflected on the program’s impact and strategized on ways to sustain its achievements.
Four Years of Impact: What Has Changed?
Speaking at the event, Dr. Aisha Abubakar Sadiq, Permanent Secretary of the Kaduna State Ministry of Health, emphasized the program’s success in creating a more efficient healthcare environment.
“The program focused on ensuring the effective use of health resources, strengthening primary healthcare facilities, and empowering local institutions,” she stated.
Dr. Sadiq highlighted significant improvements in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent, and elderly health outcomes, noting that the program had contributed to:
- Lower maternal mortality rates
- Reduction in infant and under-five mortality rates
- Improved nutritional indices for malnutrition
As the initiative winds down, she stressed the importance of government, NGOs, and community partnerships to sustain and expand these achievements.
A Push for Sustainability
Dr. Sadiq urged local communities to take ownership of their healthcare system, encouraging citizens to report inefficiencies and mismanagement to relevant authorities.
“Communities must not rely solely on donor agencies and the government. Their active participation is crucial for a sustainable health system,” she added.
Similarly, Abubakar Hassan, Director General of the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA), underscored the project’s influence on shaping health policies and community engagement.
“Without existing policies and strategic frameworks supported by Save the Children, we wouldn’t have made such progress. The project has been instrumental in shaping our health financing policies and communication strategy,” Hassan explained.
He noted that these initiatives have boosted public awareness and led to a surge in enrollments in the state’s contributory health scheme. Looking ahead, he emphasized the need to target younger populations to create lasting change in healthcare access and attitudes.
Beyond the Project: What’s Next?
Dr. Onah Joseph, a consultant representing the Gates Foundation and the Aliko Dangote Foundation, expressed optimism about the program’s impact while emphasizing the need for long-term sustainability.
“The program has achieved remarkable progress in Kaduna’s health indices. However, the challenge now is ensuring these gains are not lost,” he remarked.
Dr. Felicia Meriga, Program Manager for Save the Children Nigeria, acknowledged the achievements while noting persistent challenges, especially in health financing. Despite increased budget allocations, she pointed out issues with fund release, cashback, and actual expenditure on health services.
Similarly, Ifedilichukwu Innocent, Advocacy, Campaign, and Policy Manager at Save the Children, praised the program’s inclusive design, which engaged all stakeholders—from communities and civil society organizations to the government and media.
“Despite challenges, this project was tailored to Kaduna’s local context. Moving forward, continued advocacy and policy implementation are critical,” he noted.
A Call for Action
As the Gates Advocacy Anchor IV Grant formally closes, stakeholders are urging the government and communities to sustain its successes. The emphasis remains on strengthening local ownership, enhancing financial commitments, and maintaining partnerships to ensure continued improvements in Kaduna’s healthcare system.
With donor funding winding down, the big question remains: Will Kaduna sustain the momentum, or will the progress made in the last four years fade away?
