Taraba Reactivates Health Accountability Committee to Tackle Maternal and Child Mortality

 

By Thomas Samuel 

The Taraba State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with West and Central Africa Health Options Limited/GTE (WCA Health), has reactivated the State Accountability Mechanism for Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (TaSAM) to strengthen transparency and improve health outcomes across the state.

The reactivation meeting, held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at Sisfen Kitchen Conference Hall in Jalingo, brought together representatives from government ministries and agencies, civil society organisations, and the media.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Bordiya Buma, stated that the accountability mechanism was established in 2016 but had become inactive due to various challenges. He explained that reactivating the committee is necessary to promote accountability and transparency in the health sector and accelerate efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths in Taraba State.

According to him, the committee will monitor health programmes, provide oversight, and recommend strategies for improving maternal, newborn and child health services. He noted that Taraba's maternal mortality rate remains a major concern, with about 576 deaths recorded for every 100,000 live births.

In a goodwill message, Mr Gabriel Yough, Chairman of the Correspondents' Chapel, stated that the media have consistently highlighted issues related to maternal mortality and other health challenges in the state. He assured that journalists would continue to serve as key partners in promoting health interventions and raising public awareness.

Also speaking, representatives of the Taraba State Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, Dr Gimba Joseph and Mrs Eglah Ibrahim, pledged the commitment of civil society groups to support the Ministry of Health in improving healthcare delivery and ensuring accountability.

The Commissioner formally inaugurated the 52-member committee, drawn from government ministries, departments and agencies, civil society organisations, and the media. He said members were carefully selected based on their experience, expertise and contributions to the health sector.

The committee is expected to develop an action plan aimed at strengthening maternal, newborn and child health services across the state.

During the meeting, stakeholders also highlighted the role of the Big Sister Initiative, a programme that provides a platform for discussions on sexual and reproductive health among adolescents aged 9 to 19 years, helping young people make informed health decisions.

Health experts at the meeting expressed optimism that the reactivation of TaSAM will improve coordination, enhance accountability and contribute to reducing preventable maternal and child deaths in Taraba State.