The Kano State Ministry of Health, in partnership with the International Society of Media in Public Health (ISMPH) and the EngenderHealth Consortium, has commenced a 3-day Media Training Workshop at the Global Luxury Suite, Bompai, Kano. The workshop is focused on building the capacity of journalists to report effectively on key health issues including Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH), Primary Health Care (PHC), Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in health financing, and newborn care.
The first day of the training aimed to:
Introduce participants to national and state-level RMNCAH policies and strategic frameworks;
Provide an overview of Kano State’s Primary Health Care agenda;
Explain the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in health sector financing.
The Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing the vital role of the media in promoting public health awareness and accountability.
“The media are our strongest allies in public health,” said Dr. Yusuf. “We commend ISMPH and EngenderHealth for partnering with us to equip journalists with the knowledge they need. Your reporting on health issues plays a critical role in keeping our citizens informed and safe.”
He further stressed that accurate and ethical reporting can support life-saving interventions by informing the public and influencing policy positively.
Key Highlights from Day 1
1. Understanding RMNCAH Policies & Frameworks
Participants received an in-depth orientation on national RMNCAH policies and how they align with Kano State’s strategic goals. Discussions focused on maternal and child health interventions, adolescent health services, and how the media can spotlight successes and challenges in implementation.
2. Primary Health Care (PHC) and the Role of BHCPF
The session outlined the political and policy priorities of the Kano State Government in revitalizing PHC services across the 44 LGAs. Particular emphasis was placed on the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), which enables enrollees—especially pregnant women, children under five, and vulnerable groups—to access free essential health services such as:
Antenatal and postnatal care;
Skilled birth attendance;
Immunization;
Family planning;
Treatment for common childhood illnesses like malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea.
Participants were informed that over 300 PHC facilities in Kano are BHCPF-accredited and that ongoing enrollment is improving service uptake in hard-to-reach communities.
3. Importance of Contributory Healthcare Programs
The Commissioner highlighted that contributory healthcare —under the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KSCHMA) is crucial for sustainably financing health care in the state.
“The contributory healthcare system ensures no citizen is left behind,” Dr. Yusuf explained. “It pools resources to protect the poor and vulnerable, reduces out-of-pocket expenses, and guarantees access to essential health services.”
Participants were encouraged to raise public awareness about the benefits of enrollment into KSCHMA programs, especially for workers in the formal and informal sectors.
4. Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Health Financing
The training also provided insights into the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) model that fosters coordinated health sector investments by government and development partners. This approach enhances transparency, efficiency, and accountability in health budgeting and expenditure.
5. Focus on Newborn Care
The final session of the day highlighted newborn survival as a priority under RMNCAH. Media professionals explored how to spotlight local stories on newborn care, neonatal services, and community-based interventions.
The 3-day workshop continues with advanced sessions on health data analysis, storytelling techniques in health journalism, and media advocacy strategies. In conclusion, the Ministry hopes to establish a network of media professionals equipped to drive evidence-based reporting on health development issues.
Signed
Aminu Ahmad Turaki
Public Relations Officer
KSCHMA
