The Natview Foundation for Technology Innovation (NFTI) joined other key health stakeholders in Kaduna and the media community for a one-day strategic engagement hosted by the Kaduna State Contributory Health Management Authority (KADCHMA). The meeting, held at BAFRA Hotel, Kaduna, convened journalists from print, broadcast, and digital media platforms to foster collaboration aimed at strengthening public awareness and increasing citizens’ access to affordable healthcare through the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme.
The engagement was designed to serve as a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing, and the co-creation of strategies that will close existing information gaps on healthcare services under the contributory health scheme. Its core objective was to build stronger partnerships with the media to enhance accurate coverage, improve health education, and promote the utilization of services in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Director-General of KADCHMA, Mallam Hassan Abubakar, emphasized the crucial role of the media in shaping public knowledge, influencing perception, and ensuring that residents understand the importance of enrolling in the state health insurance scheme. Mallam Abubakar stated that KADCHMA recognizes the media as an indispensable partner in driving inclusive healthcare access across Kaduna State by bridging knowledge gaps, empowering citizens with accurate information, and promoting the utilization of healthcare services under the contributory health scheme. He noted that sustained engagement with journalists is key to increasing enrollment and ensuring that both the formal and informal sectors fully benefit from the scheme.
According to KADCHMA, there are currently 648,886 enrollees under the Kaduna State Contributory Health Scheme out of an estimated population of over 10 million residents in the state, and the media can play a significant role in improving these numbers through sustained public sensitization and strategic advocacy. The Authority believes that the stronger the partnership with media stakeholders, the better the reach and understanding of the scheme among communities that remain uninsured.
He encouraged media practitioners to amplify the success stories of the scheme, spotlight impactful outcomes across communities, and draw attention to how the health insurance initiative is reducing out-of-pocket spending for vulnerable households. According to him, consistent media advocacy will boost enrollment and also strengthen public trust in government-supported healthcare systems.
NFTI was represented at the parley by its Head of Communications, Mr. Olubunmi Olorunpomi. As a key partner to KADCHMA, NFTI provides tele-polling support, evidence gathering, and data-driven insights that enable informed decision-making.
