It was on the backdrop of facilitating Universal Health Coverage (UHC), fast track the achievement of the maternal and child health targets of the Sustainable Developmental Goals (SDGs) and also the need for citizens to benefit fully from the dividends of democracy through constituency projects that the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) submitted a memorandum on MNCH and constituency projects to the Kano State House of Assembly.
CHRICED believes that among ways to deepen citizens’ contribution in the democratic and governance processes is by using key instruments like the budget to address the problems facing the people at the grassroots. Thus, attaining milestones in the provision of basic social services such as health, and education would deepen the confidence of citizens in the capacity of government to address the certain challenges in specific areas where the people need the most support.
CHRICED lauded the efforts of the Assembly towards honoring the privilege to present its perspectives on a few issues, which the budget process for 2022 could robustly address for the benefit of the teeming people of Kano State, especially in the context of the devastation imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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While representing the Comr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi the Executive Director of the organization, Mr Armsfree Ajanaku the programs and communications manager of CHRICED noted that issues resulting in the death of women and newborns continue to confront citizens at the grassroots. “ Healthcare facilities are plagued by several challenges as most Primary Healthcare Facilities (PHCs) are severely constrained due to the fact that they are poorly equipped, while availability of drugs as well as environmental hygiene remain causes of concern.” He said.
The Non-profit also appealed to the honourable members of the Assembly to embrace the culture of consulting with their constituents to identify areas of their priority needs before taking decisions on what constituency projects to embark on. This will not only give legitimacy to the process, but also enhance your credibility and popularity among the constituents.
CHRICED further called on the honourable Assembly to adopt and speedily pass the proposed Kano State Free Maternal and Child Health Care Bill, currently being worked on by CHRICED and other critical stakeholders in the health sector in Kano State. Also the need to explore innovative partnerships with civil society organisations (CSOs) on tracking budgetary allocations with the goal of ensuring value for money spent, and positive impact on the lives of citizenry was part the recommendations made.
The need for a proper oversight and tracking of constituency projects to ensure that funds released for their execution are optimally utilized CHRICED reiterated that even if hundreds of billions are devoted to the policies and programs of the government, without robust oversight and tracking, the desired results would hardly be seen.
