Anambra Govt Partners Community Watchdogs, SPARK II to Revolutionize Maternal Care

By Praise Chinecherem

Following its recent recognition as Nigeria’s leading primary healthcare system, Anambra State is partnering with community advocates to tackle a critical frontier: ensuring its health centers are truly welcoming and responsive to the needs of all women and mothers.

This new push aims to embed dignity and inclusivity directly into the blueprint of every local clinic.

Meanwhile, a coalition of community-based organizations under the, Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge, SPARK II Project has presented a bold plan to the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) to make maternal healthcare more accessible and respectful for every woman.

The proposal, delivered during an advocacy visit to the Agency’s Executive Secretary, Pharm. Chisom Uchem, focuses on implementing gender-sensitive business plans across all Primary Health Centers (PHCs).

This means redesigning services from the ground up with a focus on the specific needs and barriers faced by women, especially in rural areas.

Ogoamaka Atuenyi, a community volunteer from Utuh, reported that a recent awareness campaign directly led to four new pregnant women registering for antenatal care at their local PHC—a tangible sign of growing community trust.

The SPARK team’s plan includes introducing simple patient feedback tools to identify service gaps, building bridges between clinics and traditional birth attendants, and training health workers on culturally sensitive care.

A key demand is the reconstitution of clinic governing committees to ensure much stronger representation and leadership from local women.

Executive Secretary Pharm. Chisom Uchem welcomed the partnership, acknowledging the vital role of community watchdogs in ensuring government services actually reach those who need them most.

She pledged the agency’s commitment to work hand-in-hand with the groups to scale up these successful feedback mechanisms and lock in the reforms for the long term, ensuring the state’s number-one ranking reflects not just efficiency, but also equity and compassion.