The Federation of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN) with support from the International Budget partnership (IBP) has advocated for improved healthcare delivery systems in Kano.
This advocacy was carried out on Thursday in a community dialogue with local government leaders, religious leaders, traditional and community representatives from Gwale and Ungogo LGAs.
The event which took place at the Gwale Islamic Center, is part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially for women and children.
Through the combined efforts of FOMWAN, traditional leaders, and the WDC, the project aims to strengthen the healthcare system by encouraging community accountability and participation, ensuring that health facilities serve the people effectively.
Habiba Abubakar, the Kano State Amirah of FOMWAN, underscored the importance of promoting community involvement in healthcare services.
According to her, community ownership is essential, as primary healthcare facilities are meant for their direct benefit.
She urged community leaders to elect reliable members, particularly women, to serve on the Ward Development Committees (WDC).
These committees represent community interests in health facilities, ensuring services align with local needs. “If women are not getting adequate services, they won’t visit the facilities,” she noted.
Salisu Yusuf, a consultant with the International Budget Partnership (IBP) under FOMWAN, explained the strategic involvement of traditional and religious leaders in these efforts.
“By including these influential figures, FOMWAN aims to spark behavioral change across communities.
“Religious leaders speak to thousands through their sermons, and traditional leaders are the first contacts in local matters. Their support can help spread health information effectively,” Yusuf emphasized.
He envisions this intervention leading to a stronger health system, where women feel empowered to access healthcare facilities and education, ultimately improving family and community welfare.
Binta Abubakar, a Hisbah representative, shared her enthusiasm about the dialogue, calling it a powerful tool for connecting communities to their healthcare resources.
She observed that many women and children, especially in hard-to-reach areas, remain unaware of available services and often avoid seeking care.
Following the dialogue, she intends to work with Hisbah to encourage community members to utilize local health facilities, access essential medicines, and advocate for improvements where needed.
“Some people stay home sick, unaware that resources are available,” she noted, stressing the need for community outreach.
Liman Afarasima Abdullahi a religious leader pledged to encourage his people in Gwale to advocate for better health-seeking behaviors.
“It is important that as religious leaders, we send the right messages that will encourage people at the grassroots to actively visit the health centers because it is their right,” he said.
