A Paediatric Specialist at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika Zaria, Dr. Fatima Abdullahi, has stressed the ne...
Dr. Fatima Abdullahi made the remark at a Health Education Workshop on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) and Community Birth Surveillance for Men, organised by Faith and Cultural Champions in collaboration with Al’Mannar Women Association, held at Sarki Musa Primary School, Kwarbai, Zaria.
She explained that early and regular antenatal visits help health workers identify risk factors that could pose dangers to both mother and child.
The specialist identified danger signs in pregnancy to include severe headache, high fever, vaginal bleeding, persistent vomiting, and sharp abdominal pain, noting that these symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Dr. Fatima emphasized that the programme was designed to educate men, youths and young women on their roles in supporting safe pregnancy, adding that the encouragement of men is critical to improving women’s access to healthcare.
She appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other community influencers to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health in their communities.
In her remarks, the Ameerah of Al’Mannar Women Association, Hajiya Rabi Umar Sodangi, said the workshop aimed at enlightening men and adolescent girls on the importance of antenatal care, safe delivery, and the wellbeing of mothers and newborns.
She urged men to provide moral, financial, and physical support to their pregnant wives, particularly in attending antenatal clinics and ensuring that delivery takes place in a recognized health facility.
Also speaking, the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Hajiya Ummulkuthum Mohammed Ali, commended the participants for their commitment to promoting community health.
The representative of the District Head of Zaria and Kewaye, Alhaji Ibrahim Sarki, assured that traditional institutions will continue to support awareness campaigns on antenatal care and hospital delivery.
He pledged continued collaboration with health and community groups toward improving family health practices across the emirate.
Some participants expressed readiness to step down the knowledge gained to others in their communities for improved maternal health outcomes.
The workshop drew participants from various communities, including men, youths, women leaders, and health professionals.
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