The Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (KSPHCB), in partnership with the ENGENDERHEALTH Consortium and other development partners, has convened a three-day co-creation meeting to review and adapt the National Guideline on Ward Development Committees (WDCs) for effective implementation in the state.
The meeting, scheduled for June 9 to 11 in Kaduna, brings together key stakeholders in the health sector, including civil society organisations, development partners, accountability groups and community representatives.
Organisers said the exercise is aimed at strengthening community participation, accountability and primary healthcare service delivery through the development of a context-specific framework that aligns with national priorities and standards.
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According to the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, Ward Development Committees are critical structures for promoting community ownership of healthcare programmes, enhancing citizen engagement and improving the responsiveness of health systems at ward, local government and state levels.
Participants are expected to review the existing national guideline and make recommendations that reflect Kaduna State’s realities and health governance needs.
The process is also expected to support sustainable health reforms and improve health outcomes across communities in the state.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Garba Muhammad, Co-Chair of the Maternal Accountability Mechanism in Kaduna Initiative (KADMAM) and Chairman of the Kaduna Health Advocacy and Media Alliance (KADHAMA), described the engagement as timely and strategic.
He said the initiative seeks to reposition Ward Development Committees to drive effective community ownership and participation in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in Kaduna State.
Muhammad noted that strengthening WDC structures would deepen grassroots accountability, improve public trust in health institutions and enhance community-driven monitoring of healthcare services, particularly at the primary healthcare level.
Organisers stressed that the participation of stakeholders involved in health governance, accountability and reform efforts would enrich deliberations and contribute to the development of a more effective and inclusive operational guideline for Ward Development Committees in Kaduna State.
