From Ebute Mathew, Kaduna
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, in its bids to address key health indicators in the state, has launched strategic health policy documents and a public health law that will positively impact the health and lives of all citizens of Kaduna State.
Speaking at the launching ceremony in Kaduna on Wednesday, the Governor said the policy documents are to strengthen health, human resource, epidemic preparedness and response.
According to him, the policy documents will also serve as guides for catering for the health of Mothers, Children, Adolescents and the Elderly.
Gov Sani went further to explain that the documents include the Kaduna State Public Health Law, One Health Strategic Plan, Human Resource for Health Policy and The Integrated Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent, Elderly Health, Plus Nutrition Strategy. These documents, when implemented, will lead to reduction of morbidity and mortality due to health related conditions in the State.
He added that effective dissemination of these documents will put Kaduna State in good stead to effectively address challenges in health and health related conditions. It is on record that Kaduna State is the first state in the country to finalize and disseminate a one health strategic plan and road map to achieving harmonization of disease control through the utilization of one health approach.
He added that the existing expansive infectious disease control center site will serve as a base for our one health operations; they will be at the forefront of the battle to tackle emerging and re-emerging diseases affecting communities.
“The Human Resource for Health Policy will address issues and challenges relating to the attainment of adequate numbers, availability and appropriate skilled mix of health workers at all levels of health care starting from primary healthcare centers to secondary facilities and health training institutions.
“We aim to address health worker attrition, increase recruitment, and improve capacity building and retention of skilled health personnel”, he added.