The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) on Wednesday convened a validation workshop on the draft report of the Facility Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Readiness Assessment in Kano State, aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery for women and children.
Speaking at the event held at BON Hotel, Kano, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, said the workshop marked an important milestone in efforts to improve maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in the state.
The gathering brought together officials of the Kano State Ministry of Health, representatives of government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and health experts.
Comrade Zikirullahi explained that the workshop was designed to critically review and validate the draft report, including its methodology, findings, and recommendations, to ensure it reflects realities within the state’s primary healthcare system and supports evidence-based planning.
He noted that maternal and child health remains a major challenge in Kano State, stressing that Nigeria accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global maternal and child deaths, with Kano contributing a significant share.
According to him, addressing the situation requires sustained and coordinated action, including improved access to quality healthcare, stronger emergency transport systems, better-equipped primary healthcare facilities, and improved welfare and training for frontline health workers.
The CHRICED Boss commended the Kano State Government for its ongoing efforts in tackling maternal and child mortality, adding that civil society organizations play a vital role by providing data, highlighting progress, and identifying gaps that need urgent attention.
Comrade Zikirullahi said CHRICED has worked since 2016 with government agencies, community actors, and development partners to advance practical solutions for better MNCH outcomes in Kano.
He acknowledged the support of international partners, particularly the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), in strengthening the MNCH landscape in the state.
He explained that the MNCH Readiness Assessment conducted by CHRICED examined service delivery capacity, infrastructure, human resources, availability of essential commodities, and challenges faced by health workers and communities across primary healthcare facilities in Kano State.
The CHRICED Boss urged participants to actively engage with the draft report and contribute expert insights that would enrich the final document and make it a useful tool for policymakers, development partners, and other stakeholders.
He also expressed appreciation to Misereor/KZE of Germany for supporting efforts to improve the health and well-being of women and children in Kano, as well as to CHRICED’s board and staff for their continued commitment to accountable and people-centred governance.
