Kaduna South Local Government in Nigeria has implemented a healthcare system reform to provide equitable healthcare for all.
Home to 2 million people, Kaduna South has long grappled with a strained health system, overstretched staff, disengaged communities, and high maternal and child mortality. Today, the local government is restoring trust and revitalizing public healthcare to ensure inclusive and affordable services for all.
Strengthening healthcare service through partnerships
Kaduna South faces the challenge of homebirths, which leads to high maternal mortality in the city. The solution passes by offering free antenatal care and patient admission for pregnant women in its 13 primary healthcare centres and 11 health clinics.
To address the critical manpower shortage, the local government council partnered with the National Youth Service Corps. Graduate doctors, nurses, lab technicians, and pharmacists bolster the health facilities. The city is thus able to provide adequate, high-quality healthcare support.
Credit: Kaduna South Local Government
Revitalising infrastructure for health and sanitation
Across Kaduna South, facilities were revitalized through comprehensive renovations and equipped to serve residents better. Health centres now operate with reliable water access through new boreholes, while pharmacies offer essential drugs at 70% discounted rates through a revolving fund.
Clean, safe spaces are being maintained through monthly sanitation drives across streets, markets, and schools, fostering a healthier urban environment.
To further support community well-being, delivery kits are distributed monthly to expectant mothers, 100 malnourished children receive Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Food (RUTF) each month, and 30 youths benefit from psychosocial support programmes to break the cycle of substance abuse and social exclusion.
Credit: Kaduna South Local Government
Restoring citizen trust through collaboration
Kaduna South Local Government Council has worked with various stakeholders to restore citizens’ trust through healthcare services. These stakeholders include faith leaders, traditional leaders, community elders, women and young advocates, persons with disability, and civil society groups.
To strengthen accountability and foster trust between residents and service providers, the city introduced new channels for citizen engagement. A network of 100 community volunteers now receives monthly stipends to raise awareness on health services and mobilize local participation. In addition, a toll-free hotline enables residents to report poor service, neglect, or misconduct by health workers confidentially, ensuring that community voices are heard and acted upon.
Credit: Kaduna South Local Government
Impact of the healthcare reform
Today, Kaduna South’s healthcare facilities are seeing renewed public confidence and higher service utilization. Across its 13 Primary Healthcare Centres and 11 clinics, more residents are accessing reliable care. According to annual policy evaluations, maternal mortality has decreased by 16%, child mortality by 17%, and safe deliveries by skilled birth attendants have increased by 22%. Meanwhile, malnutrition has declined by 19%. These results reflect the positive outcomes of sustained local healthcare system reforms in alignment with Kaduna State’s “S.U.S.T.A.I.N.” framework.
