Kaduna State Pioneers National Ward Development Committee Guidelines in Nigeria
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has announced that Kaduna State is the first in Nigeria to implement the National Ward Development Committee (WDC) guidelines. This significant initiative aims to enhance community participation and strengthen accountability in primary healthcare delivery.
This announcement came at the end of a three-day stakeholder co-creation workshop organized by the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (KSPHCB) in collaboration with the Engender Health-led consortium and other partners.
The workshop culminated in the validation and adoption of state-specific WDC guidelines designed to address the particular healthcare challenges and implementation realities faced by Kaduna State.
During the closing session, Mr. Joseph Oteri Ouya, NPHCDA’s Director of Disease Control and Immunization, lauded the Kaduna State government for leading the adaptation of the national guidelines to align with the region’s unique geographical, demographic, and health needs. He regarded the initiative as a groundbreaking step that sets a successful example for other states to follow.
Ouya expressed gratitude to the Kaduna State Government for spearheading this initiative, emphasizing that the newly produced document could serve as a reference point for other states across Nigeria. He highlighted the collaborative nature of the review process, which involved government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, community representatives, and technical experts.
Participants critically reviewed the national guidelines and pinpointed gaps in their implementation, noting issues such as the limited functionality of village development committees (VDCs) in certain areas. Recommendations were made to ensure equitable community representation within the WDC structure and to enhance accountability mechanisms at the grassroots level. However, Ouya underlined that the success of nationalizing these guidelines hinges on effective dissemination and implementation throughout the state.
He reaffirmed NPHCDA’s commitment to supporting Kaduna State’s efforts to improve health outcomes, reduce maternal and child mortality, and foster greater community engagement in health governance. Prior to the workshop, participants validated recommendations from five technical working groups tasked with reviewing and adapting Chapter 18 of the National WDC Guidelines. This review addressed critical areas such as governance structures, accountability mechanisms, community representation, sustainability frameworks, operational procedures, and stakeholder coordination within the primary healthcare system in Kaduna State.
Mr. Ouya delivered the vote of thanks on behalf of KSPHCB Secretary-General, Prof. Abubakar Jamoh, and the Director-General of Community Health Services, Ms. Hajiya Nafisa Musa Isa, expressing appreciation to participants, facilitators, development partners, and stakeholders for their contributions to this essential project.
Ms. Nafisa also acknowledged the crucial support from Engender Health and various stakeholders that facilitated the successful nationalization of the guidelines. She urged stakeholders to maintain the momentum by ensuring effective dissemination, adoption, and implementation of the guidelines across all districts and local government areas in the state.
Alhaji Balarabe Idris Jaji, Chairman of the Kaduna State WDC Alliance, remarked that the adoption of these guidelines marks a significant milestone in the state’s health reform efforts. He emphasized that Kaduna’s leadership in implementing the national WDC guidelines will serve as a model for other states aiming to enhance community participation and accountability in health governance.
The collaborative effort, as highlighted by Mr. Jaji, reflects the commitment of all stakeholders to strengthen community engagement and improve primary healthcare services. He expressed optimism that the nationalized guidelines will empower communities to take ownership of their health programs, bolster accountability, and promote continued public involvement in health decision-making.
Participants left the workshop optimistic that these guidelines will bolster the efficacy of district development committees and lead to improved health outcomes throughout Kaduna State. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from stakeholders to support the dissemination and implementation of the guidelines, ensuring measurable advancements in health outcomes across the region.
