The Faith and Cultural Champions of the Almanar Women Association (AMWA) have intensified efforts to promote maternal and child ...
The Sensitazation, held at Madarasatul Nurul Islam ISlamiyya Ang. Masa Ang. Juma Ward, focused on raising awareness about antenatal care (ANC), birth preparedness, health facility delivery, postnatal care (PNC) and family support during pregnancy and childbirth.
Speaking during the event, a Project Officer, Hajiya Safiya Magaji Ishaq, stressed the importance of marriage counselling and effective communication between couples before and during pregnancy.
She explained that women should discuss pregnancy-related issues with their husbands early enough to enable families plan adequately for antenatal care, delivery and postnatal services.
According to her, proper planning, family support and timely access to healthcare services play critical roles in reducing maternal and child health complications.
Hajiya Safiya also highlighted the importance of family planning and child spacing, noting that healthy intervals between pregnancies contribute significantly to the wellbeing of mothers and children.
She urged women to maintain cordial relationships with their husbands, mothers-in-law and other family members, stressing that effective communication helps resolve challenges that may arise in marriage and childbearing.
Also speaking, another Project Officer, Hajiya Aisha Ahmad, described marriage counselling as an essential step in preparing couples for family life.
She advised intending couples to undergo medical screening, including genotype compatibility tests and screening for HIV and hepatitis, before marriage.
According to her, counselling helps couples understand the responsibilities and realities of marriage, thereby reducing future conflicts and health risks.
Hajiya Aisha further urged husbands to support their wives throughout pregnancy by ensuring regular antenatal visits, making financial preparations for childbirth and participating actively in childcare after delivery.
She noted that inadequate counselling and poor health awareness had contributed to avoidable family and health challenges, underscoring the need for continuous community education.
In her remarks, the Ameerah of the Almanar Women Association, Hajiya Rabi Umar Sodangi, said the sensitisation programme was organised to improve maternal and child health outcomes by educating women and families on safe motherhood practices.
She explained that participants were enlightened on the importance of antenatal care, birth preparedness, health facility delivery, postnatal care, immunisation and child spacing through extended breastfeeding.
According to her, the initiative is being implemented under the Faith and Cultural Champions Project with the support of community health and social development partners to address the high rate of maternal and infant mortality, particularly in Northern Nigeria.
Hajiya Rabi emphasised the crucial role of husbands and family members in supporting pregnant women through timely access to healthcare services, transportation and emergency funds for delivery-related needs.
She expressed satisfaction with the level of participation recorded during the programme, noting that the numerous questions raised by participants reflected their interest and willingness to adopt healthier practices.
The Ameerah encouraged participants to serve as community advocates by sharing the knowledge gained with other women and families, thereby extending the impact of the sensitisation programme beyond the immediate beneficiaries.
The event featured lectures, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions and experience-sharing aimed at promoting positive health-seeking behaviours and strengthening community involvement in maternal and child healthcare.
Participants commended the organisers for the initiative and pledged to share the information within their communities to help improve the health and wellbeing of women and children.
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