AMWA Urges Families to Address Cultural Barriers to Maternal, Child Healthcare

The Almanar Women Association, AMWA, has called on families and communities to promote early antenatal care and hospital deliver...

The Almanar Women Association, AMWA, has called on families and communities to promote early antenatal care and hospital delivery to reduce maternal and infant mortality.

The call was made during a community sensitisation programme on antenatal care, pregnancy danger signs and birth preparedness at Isma’ila Nabara Primary School, Bizara, Zaria Local Government Area.

A paediatrician with Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital,  Dr. Fatima Abdullahi, urged communities to address cultural and religious misconceptions that prevent women and children from accessing appropriate healthcare services.

Dr. Abdullahi said although cultural and religious practices are important to communities, some could become barriers to healthcare when misunderstood or wrongly applied.

She emphasised the importance of antenatal care in identifying high-risk pregnancies, conducting necessary investigations, providing preventive treatment and managing complications early.

The paediatrician also urged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly, take prescribed medications, undergo recommended tests and deliver in health facilities where skilled personnel can provide emergency care.

She identified severe headache, body swelling, vaginal bleeding, fever, abdominal pain and severe vomiting as pregnancy danger signs requiring immediate medical attention.

Dr. Abdullahi further stressed the importance of the first 1,000 days, from pregnancy to a child’s second birthday, describing the period as critical to growth, development and long-term health.

She called on men, community and religious leaders, parents and grandparents to support women and girls in accessing healthcare and discourage harmful traditional practices.

Earlier, the Ameerah of AMWA urged husbands to provide financial and logistical support for their wives, including saving for delivery and making transportation arrangements before emergencies arise.

She said the engagement was aimed at encouraging women to commence antenatal care early, attend regularly, complete recommended tests and medications, and deliver in health facilities.

Also speaking, FCC Project Consultant, Malam Jauro Adam, said the sensitisation increased awareness on antenatal and postnatal care, breastfeeding, cancer screening, child spacing and spousal communication.

He added that religious and community leaders pledged to disseminate the knowledge through Friday sermons and Islamiyya sessions, describing the commitment as a major milestone.

The Sensitazation lectures, interactive discussions, question-and-answer sessions, and experience sharing aimed at promoting positive health-seeking behaviour and strengthening community participation in maternal and child healthcare.

More than 150 married Adolescent Girls and Young Women attended the programme. 

They commended the organisers for the initiative and pledged to share the knowledge acquired within their communities to improve the health and well-being of women and children.