WHO partners with Kano to accelerate Universal Health Coverage

The World Health Organization (WHO) has renewed its pledge to support the Kano State Government to accelerate the provision of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

The WHO Country Representative, Dr. Kazadi Mulombo Walter gave the commitment when he paid a courtesy visit to the Kano State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (KASCHMA).

WHO Country representative explained that the effort would focus on technical support will be channeled to catalyze improved quality care across public health facilities in the state.

Dr. Walter, represented by WHO field officer, Kano, Dr. Mayana Sanusi Abubakar, disclosed the intent of the United Nations agency to strengthen the capacity of KASHCMA’s staff for efficient delivery.

The WHO chief cited strategic areas of urgent intervention in the state healthcare contributory scheme and stressed attention to policy review to enhance the use of data for decision-making.

Walter applauded the political will of the government to commit huge resources on the health population of the state and target to achieve the Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

He said the enactment of new policies and revamping of legislative action on the framework of Health Contributory Schemes is reducing out-of-pocket health expenditures and improving access to healthcare.

The Executive Secretary KASHCMA, Dr. Rahila Aliyu Mukhtar, appreciated WHO team for the visit and added that since her assumption she has been working hard to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme in the state.

Dr. Rahila added that initiatives were put in place to improve healthcare service in the engaged facilities especially driving actions of improving the quality of services and ensuring that essential drugs are available at all service delivery points to the satisfaction of all enrollees.

Mohammed Nura Yusuf, spokesperson of the agency said the integration of KASCHMA drugs into the Drug Revolving Fund (DRF) which would commence soon is part of the efforts to address the out-of-stock syndrome in the affiliated health facilities.