The Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for concerted efforts from stakeholders to develop a roadmap for implementing the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare (FMNCH) Law 2023.
The call was made today while declaring a two-day Stakeholders Consultative Meeting on “Developing Action Plan for the Implementation of Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law in Kano State, Nigeria,” held at the Grand Central Hotel, Bompai.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the event, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, stressed the importance of reducing maternal and child mortality in the state.
“This gathering underscores our shared responsibility to ensure that every mother and child in Kano has access to the healthcare they need and deserve,” Zikirullahi said.
He highlighted the need for collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations to create a practical framework for the law’s implementation.
“We must move beyond dialogue to develop actionable strategies that improve health outcomes for families in Kano State,” he urged, adding that stakeholders’ input would be vital to ensuring effective healthcare delivery.
Omoniyi Adeoye, CHRICED’s Senior Programs Officer, speaking on behalf of Prof. A.B. Ahmed of Bayero University Kano’s Faculty of Law, emphasized that investing in women’s and children’s health is essential to upholding the right to health.
He highlighted that the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law covers crucial services, including free prenatal and postnatal care, cesarean sections, and treatment for ectopic pregnancies.
“Full implementation of this law is vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Kano State,” Adeoye stated.
He added that despite its signing, execution remains a major challenge. He called on CSOs and stakeholders to push for its enforcement.
“The law must be implemented effectively to ensure it positively impacts the lives of women and children in the state,” he emphasized.
Ajumawa L.A., representing the Ministry of Planning and Budget, described the stakeholders’ meeting as timely and stressed the need for its sustainability.
He advocated for penalties against men who prevent their wives from accessing primary healthcare during childbirth, emphasizing that such actions deprive women of their right to a healthy lifestyle.
Ajumawa further urged a review of the state’s health trust fund to align it with the demands of the newly signed Kano Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law for better service delivery.
The Chairman of the Kano Emirate Council Committee on Health and the DanKadan Kano, Dr. Bashir I Muhammad represented the Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II.
He said months after signing the law, we need to know who to be held accountable for the FMNCH none implementation at state, local government, and the over 700 wards levels.
The Emir then called for a road map for the implementation of the law through the application of a well-structured work plan.
The meeting saw the participation of representatives from the Nigerian Medical Association, and other key stakeholders committed to advancing maternal and child healthcare in the state.
