Lukman Abdulmalik
The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has called on civil society organizations (CSOs) and the media to step up advocacy efforts and hold the Kano State Government accountable for the full implementation of the Free Maternal and Child Healthcare (FMNCH) Law.
The call was made during a one-day workshop held at Mambayya House, focused on enhancing the capacity of CSOs and media actors to promote democratic participation and improve maternal and child health services in the state.
Delivering a message on behalf of the CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, a Board Member, Nafisa Ado emphasized the critical need for urgent action, citing alarming maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Kano State.
According to data from the Kano State Surveillance for Evidence and Policy (KASSEP), the maternal mortality rate is 576 per 100,000 live births, while neonatal mortality stands at 59 per 1,000 live births—both exceeding national and international benchmarks.
“These heartbreaking statistics reflect the failure to deliver essential, life-saving services to women and children in Kano,” Ado said.
She noted that although the FMNCH Law was enacted in 2023, guaranteeing free antenatal and postnatal care, emergency obstetric services including caesarean sections and ectopic pregnancy treatment, as well as healthcare for newborns and children under five, implementation remains stalled.
“Two years later, there is still no operational plan, strategic framework, or functioning consultative council to guide enforcement,” she wondered.
Ado stressed the pivotal role of CSOs and the media in bridging the gap between policy and practice by raising public awareness, monitoring service delivery, holding officials accountable, and advocating for timely and effective implementation.
“The workshop was designed to equip participants with practical tools for data-driven advocacy, strategic communication, and grassroots engagement,” she added.
In her presentation, Dr. Hafsat Yakasai of Bayero University, Kano, underscored the vital role of CSOs and community-based organizations (CBOs) in mobilizing communities, tracking healthcare delivery, securing funding, and educating women and youth on their healthcare rights.
She also highlighted key challenges such as regulatory hurdles, inadequate funding, and stakeholder mistrust, recommending stronger community engagement, transparent policies, and continuous capacity-building as solutions.
Also speaking at the workshop, Dr. Rukkya Yusif Aliyu, also of Bayero University Kano, led a session on health-sensitive reporting.
She defined the concept as ethical and responsible coverage of health-related issues, particularly those affecting vulnerable populations.
Dr. Aliyu emphasized the journalist’s role in promoting public understanding and positive health behaviors, such as antenatal care, institutional deliveries, exclusive breastfeeding, and immunization, while adhering to professional ethics.
CHRICED extended gratitude to its development partner, MISEREOR-KZE of Germany, for supporting its ongoing work to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.
The organization concluded by urging all stakeholders, particularly CSOs and the media, to unite and push for the full operationalization of the FMNCH Law, ensuring that no woman dies while giving life and every child in Kano has the chance to survive and thrive.
