The Almanar Women Association (AMWA) has secured the buy-in of community stakeholders in Babban Saura, Chikun Local Government A...
The stakeholders’ meeting, held under the Faith and Cultural Champions (FCC) Project supported by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), took place on Sunday, November 9, 2026, at the Dagaci’s House, Babban Saura.
Though only 40 participants were expected, the meeting attracted 186 stakeholders, comprising 48 males and 138 females.
Those in attendance included religious leaders, traditional leaders, women and youth leaders, Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW), husbands and mothers.
In her welcome address, the Ameerah of AMWA Haj. Rabi Umar Sodangi gave an overview of the FCC Project, explaining how it was conceived by CCSI, its objectives and expected outcomes.
She stressed the need to engage religious and traditional institutions, families and other influential community members in tackling maternal and child health challenges.
Sodangi also emphasised early and regular antenatal care (ANC), skilled birth attendance, facility delivery, postnatal care, healthy birth spacing and effective spousal communication.
The community welcomed the AMWA team and appreciated CCSI, the FCC Project and AMWA for bringing the intervention to Babban Saura.
During discussions, participants shared disturbing experiences of maternal and infant deaths in the community.
It emerged that despite having a Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC) in the village, many pregnant women still do not attend antenatal care or deliver in health facilities.
In a heartbreaking account, participants narrated the story of a woman who had given birth 12 times but lost all 12 babies.
During the meeting, following the health enlightenment, a participant hurriedly left to arrange for the woman, who was then in labour, to be taken to the hospital. Unfortunately, the baby was lost.
The incident underscored the severity of maternal and newborn health challenges in the community and the urgent need for sustained awareness, early health-seeking behaviour and timely referral of pregnant women.
Low utilisation of antenatal and delivery services despite the presence of a PHC
Poor awareness of the importance of skilled birth attendance
Repeated newborn and infant deaths
Need for greater involvement of husbands, mothers and other family decision-makers.
The critical role of religious and traditional leaders in promoting positive health-seeking behaviour
AMWA said it will continue to work with religious leaders, traditional institutions, women, men, youth and other community influencers to address harmful beliefs and practices, encourage early ANC attendance and promote facility delivery.
The Association appreciated CCSI for its support and commitment to improving the health and well-being of women, newborns, children and families through the FCC Project.
The meeting reinforced a critical message: no woman should lose her baby for lack of timely and appropriate healthcare.
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