Kaduna State Government has become the first state to domesticate the National Ward Development Committee (WDC) Guideline, tailored to address the state’s unique healthcare realities.
It was reported that this domestication was adopted at the end of a three-day workshop on primary healthcare delivery organized by the Kaduna State Primary Health Care Board (KSPHCB) in partnership with an Engender Health-led consortium.
Speaking at the closing session, Dr. Joseph Wuya, a representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), described the initiative as innovative and groundbreaking.
He praised Kaduna for leading the way in adapting the national guideline to suit its geographical terrain, population, and specific implementation challenges.
According to Wuya, the exercise demonstrates the state’s commitment to strengthening community participation in healthcare governance and enhancing the effectiveness of the WDC.
“I appreciate the Kaduna State Government for supporting this initiative. Kaduna is the first in the country to domesticate the National WDC Guideline to fit its realities. I believe the document produced here will serve as a reference for other states,” he said.
Wuya commended the inclusive review process, noting that government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, community representatives, and technical experts collaborated to co-create the document.
He also praised lead consultant Prof. Clara Ejembi for her leadership and technical guidance during the exercise.
The official expressed satisfaction with the critical review conducted by participants, especially regarding the identification of gaps and implementation challenges within the national guideline.
Participants highlighted the limited functionality of Village Development Committees (VDCs) in many communities and proposed measures to ensure equitable representation of all communities within the WDC structure.
Wuya emphasized that while the development of the guideline was a significant achievement, its success will depend on effective dissemination, implementation, and operationalization across Kaduna State.
He reaffirmed NPHCDA’s commitment to supporting efforts to improve health outcomes, reduce morbidity and mortality, and strengthen community engagement in healthcare delivery.
Additionally, Balarabe Idris-Jaji, Chairman of the Kaduna State WDC Alliance, described the successful workshop and the development of the domesticated guideline as a major milestone.
Jaji commended all stakeholders and partners for their support and dedication throughout the process.
He noted that the collaborative effort reflected a shared commitment to strengthening community structures and improving primary healthcare services across the state.
Earlier, participants reviewed and validated recommendations from five technical working groups established to examine and adapt the 18 chapters of the National WDC Guideline.
The review focused on enhancing governance structures, accountability mechanisms, community representation, sustainability, operational procedures, and stakeholder coordination within Kaduna’s primary healthcare system.
Participants expressed optimism that the domesticated guideline would offer a practical framework for increasing community ownership of healthcare programs, improving accountability, and strengthening primary healthcare delivery at the grassroots level.
The workshop concluded with a renewed pledge from stakeholders to support the dissemination and implementation of the guideline, ensuring its objectives lead to measurable health improvements across Kaduna.
