The Taraba State Government has reactivated the State Accountability Mechanism for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (TaSAM), as part of the efforts to strengthen transparency in the health sector. The TaSAM is also expected to focus on reducing the high rate of maternal and child mortality across the state. The reactivation, carried out by the Taraba State Ministry of Health in collaboration with West and Central Africa Health Options Limited/GTE (WCA Health), in Jalingo, drew representatives from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations and the media. Speaking at the inauguration, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya Buma, said the accountability mechanism, established in 2016, had become dormant due to operational challenges, making its reactivation necessary to improve oversight and accountability in the health sector. Dr. Buma, said the committee would monitor health programmes, provide independent oversight and recommend strategies to improve maternal, newborn and child healthcare delivery across the state. He expressed concern over the state’s maternal mortality rate, disclosing that about 576 women die for every 100,000 live births. He described the figure as unacceptable and one that requires concerted efforts from stakeholders. “The reactivation of this committee is critical to promoting transparency, accountability and improved service delivery in the health sector. We must work together to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths in Taraba State,” he said. The commissioner, subsequently inaugurated the 52-member TaSAM committee, comprising representatives of government agencies, civil society organisations and the media. He said, members were selected based on their experience and contributions to the health sector. He charged the committee to develop a comprehensive action plan that would strengthen maternal, newborn and child health services and improve accountability in programme implementation. In a remark, the Chairman of the Correspondents’ Chapel, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Taraba State Council, Mr. Gabriel Yough, said the media had consistently drawn attention to maternal mortality and other health challenges affecting the state. He assured that, journalists would continue to partner with the government and development organisations in promoting health interventions and creating public awareness on maternal and child health issues. Also speaking, representatives of the Taraba State Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Dr. Gimba Joseph and Mrs. Eglah Ibrahim, reaffirmed the commitment of civil society groups to supporting the Ministry of Health in improving healthcare delivery and promoting accountability. Stakeholders at the meeting also underscored the importance of the Big Sister Initiative, a programme designed to educate adolescents aged nine to 19 on sexual and reproductive health to enable them make informed decisions. Participants expressed optimism that the reactivation of TaSAM would enhance coordination among stakeholders, strengthen accountability mechanisms and contribute significantly to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths in Taraba State.
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