By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano
A Civil Society Organization (CSO), KanSLAM, on Thursday, identified inadequate family planning as a major cause of the high rate of maternal and child mortality rate in Kano state.
The CSO lamented that Kano is currently rated as among the states in Nigeria with the highest record of maternal and child mortality rates, due to inadequate family planning, particularly for people living in rural areas.
KanSLAM during a Media Parley on prevention of maternal and child mortality in Kano, held at NUJ Press Centre, Conference Hall, also appealed to the government to ensure that funds budgeted for procurement of consumables for maternal mothers and children are channeled accordingly, with transparency and accountability.
The CSO, however, regretted that huge amounts of the government’s annual budgets are not adequately channelled for the proper use they were budgeted for, thereby creating suspicion and corruption within the government’s expenditure procedure.
Speaking during the event, the co-chairlady of KanSLAM, Pharm Maimuna Yakubu Mohammed, insisted that the media can play a crucial role in supporting KanSLAM’s advocacy against maternal and child mortality and promoting family planning in Kano.
According to her, the media can raise awareness through the use of TV, radio, newspapers, magazines, and online publications to educate people about family planning benefits and risks of not using it.
Pharm Maimuna urged the media to share success stories of family planning, highlighting women who have benefited from family planning and healthcare services.
She further tasked the media to address myths and misconceptions associated with family planning by providing accurate information to counter cultural and religious misconceptions about family planning.
The KanSLAM co-chairlady underscored the need for the media to amplify voices by creating platforms through which healthcare providers, community leaders, and advocates can share useful messages to the public.
According to her, the media can do even more by monitoring the progress of family planning engagements through investigative journalism to track progress, expose gaps, and push for accountability.
She said: “When women have access to family planning, they can space out their pregnancies, avoid unintended pregnancies, and get the healthcare they need.
“This means: reduced risk of pregnancy complications; fewer unsafe abortions; more time for mothers to recover between pregnancies; and better health outcomes for babies.
“Family planning helps women plan their families, pursue education and careers, and contribute to their communities. It is a win-win!.”
Pharm Maimuna maintained that in Kano, family planning can significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
She, however, advocated for increased access to contraceptives; make modern contraceptives available and affordable, especially in rural areas; improve healthcare services; strengthen healthcare facilities to provide quality prenatal, delivery, and postnatal care.
She insisted that there must be thorough education and orientation to women and communities about family planning benefits, dispelling myths and misconceptions.
Our Correspondent reports that
KanSLAM (Kano State-led Accountability Mechanism) is a coalition of civil society organizations, media outlets, and government ministries working together to improve maternal and child health in Kano state.
KanSLAM is focused on promoting accountability, transparency, and community engagement to reduce maternal and child mortality rates.
KanSLAM has also made significant strides in advocating for increased budgetary allocations, particularly in the health sector, and has influenced the state government to increase the health sector budget.
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