UNICEF trains Kaduna health officials on gender-responsive care

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has concluded a week-long training workshop for officers-in-charge (OICs) of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in Kaduna State.

The workshop, held on Saturday, focused on building capacity to deliver gender-responsive healthcare services.

Participants from Zaria, Sabon Gari, and Makarfi Local Government Areas were trained on the intersection of gender and access to immunisation and other essential PHC services.

Dr. Idris Baba, UNICEF Health Specialist and Gender Focal Person, explained that the training aimed to deepen understanding of how gender dynamics influence healthcare access.

He noted that the targeted LGAs had poor health indicators, especially concerning health-seeking behaviours and service coverage.

A major challenge highlighted was the lack of adequate data collection tools, which are crucial for tracking progress and making informed decisions.

Dr. Baba also discussed societal power dynamics, such as household decision-making patterns involving husbands, wives, and grandparents, which often affect the utilisation of health services.

“To maintain progress, UNICEF plans to organise community town hall meetings involving traditional leaders, religious figures, and women’s groups as a follow-up,” Dr. Baba said.

He emphasized that gender equity is not about favouring any one group but about ensuring everyone receives the support they need.

He urged the government to develop policies that promote gender equity by removing structural barriers and providing equal opportunities, particularly in education and healthcare.

Isah Yushau, Education Officer at the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board, reiterated the commitment to tackling gender-related obstacles, especially for women and children.

He highlighted that gender inequities remain a significant challenge to healthcare access, particularly for marginalised populations.

Yushau stressed the importance of involving community and religious leaders to ensure equitable healthcare for all and acknowledged the critical role of government and development partners in this effort.

Hadiza Shika, a participant from the PHC in Samaru, Sabon Gari LGA, described the training as an “eye-opener.”

She emphasized the need to differentiate between sex and gender and understand how gender identity affects healthcare service delivery.

Shika also called for improved data disaggregation to capture socioeconomic factors such as location, economic status, and education, which are essential for addressing healthcare challenges effectively.

The initiative also involved ward community engagement focal persons and state social mobilisation officers, broadening the training’s reach and impact.

The Star