Monday, 2 May 2016

Group launches the OPENKDSMOH to monitor immunization funding in Kaduna state

By Solomon Okpere To promote accountability and transparency in the management of RoutineImmunization (RI) funds, Community Health and Research Initiative (CHR) in conjunction with the Kaduna State Accountability Mechanism for Maternal Newborn and Child Health (KADMAM) have launched an on-line platform. Citizens of the state, who have questions and want answersconcerning health care services in the state to enable them make informed choices, can now do so by using the twitter hash tag, #OPENKDSMOH, meaning, Open Kaduna State Ministry of Health. While launching the OPENKDSMOH, CHR’s Project Director, Dr. AminuMagashi,stressed on the critical role of the social media as a tool for public to hold the government accountable on its health promises to the citizens, even as he urged all stakeholders, the media and the general public to make very good use of the platform to demand for their health right and for sustainable Immunization Financing in the state. Magashi highlighted the need for a strengthened accountability mechanism in the State to promote routine immunization and other health care services as an important role of the government. He said: “We as advocates for adequate funding for routine immunization programmes and every child and family health issues in Nigeria.We will continue to promote the cause until our top government authorities begin to see the need to demonstrate accountability in health budgeting and ensure transparency in funds released, disbursed and spent to address publicissues, especially in the sector.” Meanwhile, CHR with support from Partnership for Advocacy in Child and Family Health (PACFaH) has organised a stakeholder’s dissemination meeting on Kaduna State Routine Immunization Budget Scorecard, to increase commitment towards sustainable immunization financing and accountability in the state. The meeting was attended by members of the Kaduna State Accountability Mechanism for MNCH (KADMAM), a coalition of NGOs/CSOs and the media with other government officials. In a communiqué, issued after the meeting, participants pledged to renew commitment towards strengtheningadvocacy efforts to drive its demands for sustainable immunization financing and accountability in the State.

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