AMWA Calls for Greater Awareness of Reproductive Health to Reduce Maternal Deaths

The Faith and Cultural Champions, the Almanar Women Association (AMWA) has intensified efforts to promote Sexual and Reproductiv...

The Faith and Cultural Champions, the Almanar Women Association (AMWA) has intensified efforts to promote Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) awareness among Married Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of measures to reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths.

The association also called for increased awareness among married adolescent girls, young women, and their in-laws on the importance of antenatal care (ANC), birth preparedness, postnatal care (PNC), and stronger family support for women's access to healthcare, informed decision-making, transportation, and financial preparedness during pregnancy and childbirth.

The call was made during a monthly class organised by the association at Madarasatul Tarbiyatul Nisa'i, Kofar Jatau, Anguwan Fatika Ward, Zaria Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Speaking at the event, the facilitator, Safiya Magaji Ishaq, said comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education equips married adolescent girls and young women with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions on menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, and overall family health.

She explained that reproductive health education encourages regular antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, postnatal care, proper nutrition, and early recognition of pregnancy danger signs, thereby improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Safiya noted that sexual and reproductive health education also helps prevent early and unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and harmful misconceptions surrounding menstruation, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and family planning. 

She added that it strengthens communication between spouses and empowers women to participate actively in family health decisions.

According to her, the programme is designed to improve participants' understanding of reproductive health, promote birth preparedness, encourage health facility delivery, strengthen family involvement in maternal healthcare, and foster positive health-seeking behaviours within communities.

The event featured lectures, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and experience-sharing aimed at improving maternal and child health awareness among participants.

Some participants commended AMWA for the initiative, describing it as timely and impactful. They pledged to share the knowledge they gained with other women in their communities to promote healthier families and contribute to reducing preventable maternal and newborn deaths.