The Almanar Women Association (AMWA), in collaboration with Faith and Cultural Champions, has conducted a community ...
The initiative focused on improving awareness and understanding of critical maternal, newborn, and child health practices, including early and regular antenatal care (ANC), safe delivery, timely postnatal care (PNC), and appropriate child spacing for the wellbeing of both mother and child.
Organizers also emphasized the importance of strengthening male and family involvement in supporting women’s access to healthcare.
This includes participation in decision-making, provision of transportation, and financial preparedness, all of which are crucial to ensuring safe pregnancy and childbirth outcomes.
They were also enlightened on how timely medical check-ups and informed health decisions can significantly reduce maternal and child health complications.
Speaking, a Health Expert ,Hajiya Safiya Ishak, explained that the programme addressed key issues including antenatal care, personal hygiene, safe delivery practices, recognition of danger signs during pregnancy, and the importance of postnatal care.
She stressed the need for behavioral change, particularly among men, noting that pregnancy comes with physical and emotional challenges that require understanding and consistent support from spouses.
According to her, men have a critical role to play by accompanying their wives to antenatal clinics, supporting them throughout pregnancy, granting timely permission, and ensuring they are taken to health facilities for safe delivery.
She added that such support should continue after childbirth through assistance during breastfeeding, ensuring that children receive routine immunization, and encouraging proper child spacing to promote healthier families.
Hajiya Safiya Ishak further explained that the goal of the sensitization is to improve awareness and knowledge within the community, noting that even when immediate compliance is low, the information shared often spreads and gradually influences positive behavioral change.
“Once people are aware, they are more likely to support their spouses and adopt healthier practices,” she said.
In their separate remarks, Alh. Jafaru, Khadija Jumare and Khadija Sa'idu urged participants to make effective use of the knowledge gained and share it with others in their communities.
They encouraged attendees to step down the information to other women and families, thereby expanding the reach of the sensitization and improving overall maternal and child health outcomes.
Some participants expressed appreciation to AMWA and Faith and Cultural Champions for organizing the programme, describing it as timely, impactful, and highly informative.
They also pledged to serve as community ambassadors by sharing the knowledge acquired with others, with the aim of improving health practices and outcomes across their communities.
The programme forms part of ongoing efforts to enhance maternal and child health through sustained community engagement, education, and advocacy.
COV/ Ibrahim Suleiman
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