The Zamfara state governor, Dauda Lawal, met with community leaders, including emirs, Friday, for the biannual primary healthcare performance review meeting in order to strengthen community participation and ownership or primary healthcare services in the state.

Dr. Nafisa Muhammad Maradun, the Commissioner of Health, stated that the meeting primarily focused on improving healthcare services, particularly for women and children by harnessing the significant influence of traditional leaders within their communities. 

She highlighted impressive strides in the ongoing primary healthcare (PHC) reform agenda where a total of 712 PHCs were assessed out of which 581 centers underwent full evaluation. “90 health facilities are currently undergoing renovation,” she said.

She commended the traditional leaders for their crucial role in various healthcare interventions and assured them of the federal government’s continued support for primary healthcare development.

She underscored the indispensable position of traditional leaders in fortifying the healthcare system from the local government level all the way to individual level. 

The commissioner reaffirmed Governor Lawal’s administration’s unwavering commitment to healthcare, highlighting a substantial 15percent budgetary allocation to the health sector.

In his remarks, the Emir of Anka, Alhaji Attahiru Muhammad Ahmad, the Chairman of the State Council of Chiefs, emphasised the vital role traditional leaders play in promoting healthcare initiatives and mobilising communities. 

He stressed further the importance of traditional leaders in the renovations and equipped of over 100 primary healthcare centers across the state.

The emirs also pledged their council’s support for healthcare services from the grassroots to the highest levels.