The Taraba State Government has reactivated the State Accountability Mechanism for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (TaSAM) as part of renewed efforts to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths and strengthen accountability in the health sector.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, inaugurated the 52-member committee in Jalingo, describing the initiative as a significant step towards tackling the state’s high maternal mortality rate and improving healthcare delivery.
The committee comprises representatives of government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, professional bodies and the media. Its reactivation was facilitated by the Taraba State Ministry of Health in collaboration with West and Central Africa Health Options Limited/GTE (WCA Health).
Speaking at the inauguration, Dr. Buma expressed concern that Taraba records 576 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, describing the figure as unacceptable and calling for coordinated action to reverse the trend.
He said the revived accountability mechanism would strengthen oversight, promote transparency in the implementation of maternal, newborn and child health programmes, and enhance government efforts to reduce preventable deaths among women and children.
According to the Commissioner, members of the committee have a critical responsibility to develop and implement practical strategies that will improve accountability and accelerate progress towards better maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
The State Programme Officer of WCA Health, Mr. Sheye Sam Ibrahim, explained that the accountability mechanism was first established in 2016 but became inactive over the years.
He said its reactivation demonstrates a renewed commitment by the state government and development partners to improve maternal, newborn and child health services in Taraba.
Mr. Ibrahim also highlighted the Big Sister Initiative, currently being implemented in Zing and Lau Local Government Areas, which provides safe spaces for adolescents aged 9 to 19 years to access accurate information and guidance on sexual and reproductive health.
He noted that the initiative is empowering young people with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that will positively impact their health and future.
In a goodwill message, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Gabriel Yough, reaffirmed the media’s commitment to supporting efforts to reduce maternal mortality through sustained public enlightenment, advocacy and accountability reporting.
Also speaking, the representative of the Taraba State Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Mrs. Eglah Ibrahim, pledged continued collaboration with the Ministry of Health to promote transparency, strengthen community participation and improve healthcare delivery.
The reactivation of the State Accountability Mechanism is expected to strengthen collaboration among government, development partners, civil society organisations and the media in advancing maternal, newborn and child health across Taraba State.