From: Femi Mustapha in Kaduna
The Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority, KADCHMA, has initiated a two-day strategic session to develop a grassroots health insurance awareness campaign across the 11 Local Government Areas within the Zazzau Emirate.
Supported by EngenderHealth, the meeting aims to finalize a mobilization plan that utilizes traditional institutions to promote enrollment, especially in the informal sector.
During the opening remarks, KADCHMA Director-General Mallam Hassan Abubakar described the project as a major step forward in the state’s goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage.
“To the best of our knowledge, this is the first initiative of its kind in Nigeria where a State Health Insurance Agency is developing a coordinated grassroots health insurance mobilization campaign anchored on the traditional institution across an entire Emirate,” Abubakar stated.
“We therefore have an opportunity to develop a model that can be documented, evaluated and potentially replicated across Kaduna State and beyond.”
He highlighted that involving traditional leaders was a strategic move, considering their influence and extensive reach within communities.
“Our traditional leaders remain among the most respected and influential voices within our communities. They understand their people, command trust at the grassroots and have structures that extend from the Emirate Council through districts, villages and communities,” he said.
Abubakar acknowledged that reaching the informal sector is a major challenge in achieving sustainable coverage. He pointed out that many individuals involved in agriculture, small businesses, markets, and transportation are still vulnerable to catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenses.
“Reaching these populations requires more than conventional publicity; it requires trusted community voices that can explain the benefits of health insurance, address misconceptions, build confidence, and encourage families to enroll and renew their coverage,” he explained.
The KADCHMA DG urged participants to utilize the two days to create a practical, actionable campaign with clear roles for the Emirate Council, District Heads, Village Heads, community leaders, KADCHMA, and Local Government structures.
He emphasized that the plan should feature clear messages, measurable enrollment targets, defined responsibilities, and a mechanism to monitor progress across all 11 LGAs.
Abubakar expressed gratitude for EngenderHealth’s partnership and support. He also thanked His Royal Highness, the Emir of Zazzau, and the entire Zazzau Emirate Council for their support of the initiative.
“Our ultimate objective is clear: to ensure that more families are protected from financial hardship arising from healthcare costs and that no resident is denied access to needed healthcare simply because they cannot afford to pay at the point of service,” he said.
He conveyed optimism that the discussions would turn traditional leadership and community trust into increased health insurance enrollment and improved health outcomes for residents of the Zazzau Emirate.
