By Ndahi Marama, Maiduguri

In a significant move to strengthen healthcare delivery, the Borno State Government, in collaboration with key partners including the Federal Ministry of Health, White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria (WRA Nigeria) and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), has concluded a two-day validation workshop to review and validate the State Guidelines on Self-Care for Sexual, Reproductive, and Maternal Health (SRMH).

The workshop, which was held in Maiduguri recently, brought together stakeholders from across the state’s 27 local government areas to review the zero-draft state guidelines on self-care.

The initiative is seen as a critical step in improving health outcomes in Borno, a state that continues to grapple with the aftermath of prolonged insurgency and humanitarian challenges.Government and Partners’ Commitment to Health ReformsDelivering the keynote address, Dr. Abubakar Hassan, the Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor on Health, emphasized the administration’s commitment to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) for all residents.

“This validation workshop marks a new chapter in our drive to empower individuals and communities to take charge of their health, especially in hard-to-reach and conflict-affected areas,” Dr. Hassan stated.

He urged all stakeholders to prioritize the well-being of Borno’s families, noting the importance of tailored health solutions in the state’s recovery process.Professor Baba Mallam Gana, Commissioner of Health and Human Services, represented by Maryam Ali, highlighted the workshop’s objectives: “Our goal is to review and validate the draft guidelines, finalize the implementation plan, and set a clear path for launching and disseminating these guidelines across Borno State.”

The Federal Ministry of Health’s representative, Mrs. Joy Aungwa, reaffirmed the ministry’s support for Borno and other states adopting the guidelines.

“We are committed to working with all partners to ensure that self-care becomes a cornerstone of healthcare delivery nationwide,” she said.

Representatives from IRC and UNFPA, Dr. Okechi Ogueiji and Dr. Kelvin Chukwu Emeka, respectively, congratulated the state government and participants, noting that the developed guidelines would provide the much-needed support to displaced populations and host communities.

They stressed that integrating self-care into the state’s Annual Operational Plan would enable residents to manage their health more effectively, even in challenging circumstances.

Ms. Oyare Oche, representative of White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria, highlighted the significance of Borno becoming the third state, after Kaduna and Lagos, to adapt the national self-care guidelines.

“This process is essential for building a robust health system responsive to Borno’s unique needs,” she said, commending the collaborative spirit of all partners involved.A Path ForwardThe state self-care guidelines address key areas such as antenatal care, family planning, over-the-counter medications, contraceptives, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), human papillomavirus (HPV), and postnatal care. Stakeholders at the workshop agreed on the importance of inclusive implementation to ensure that even the most vulnerable populations can benefit.

As Borno State moves forward with the validation and rollout of the domesticated guidelines, the partnership between government and civil society organizations is expected to play a pivotal role in advancing health equity and resilience across the state.