Kaduna State RMNCAH-N Champions Encourage Husbands to Allow their Wives go for Antenatal and Post-Natal Check-ups

The newly invested champions for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH-N) in Kaduna State participated in a radio program ‘Your Health 360’ on Friday, 24^th February 2023, to discuss the causes of high maternal and child mortality rates in the State and proffer steps on how to mitigate them.

During a high-policy dialogue on RMNCAH-N with stakeholders in the State, it was noted that only 43% of women have births attended by a skilled health worker; 60% of births in the State occur at home with only 58% having attended antenatal care (ANC). These gaps and many others continue to affect the health and well-being of women and children in the state.

Mrs. Dorcas M Adeyemi, one of the RMNCAH+N champions spoke about the 3Ds: Delay in making decisions to go to a facility, Delay in arriving at the facility and Delay in receiving care at the facility on arrival. She said these 3Ds are challenges which contribute to high maternal and child mortality rates particularly in the rural areas/communities/wards.

She went on to encourage husbands to give a standing permission to their wives to be able to go for antenatal and post-natal check-ups to have access to a skilled birth attendant (SBA). She highlighted the need for a strong collaboration between the Emergency Transport Scheme (ETS) and National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) across the State metropolis and communities to transport pregnant women particularly those in labor free from their homes to a health facility for delivery.

The RMNCAH+N Champions further appealed to the Kaduna State government to cashback the 25% counterpart funding to enable access to the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) from the Federal Government. She advocated for the release of the one percent (1%) of the State’s Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF) earmarked for equity fund in the State.

There were phone calls from listeners who asked a variety of questions on how to access the free health services particularly for the vulnerable women and children. The champions answered all concerns raised by listeners.

Mrs. Dorcas advised listeners to help spread the message and encourage pregnant women to register at the Primary Health Care center closest to them.

The Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), partners and supports the Kaduna State RMNCAH-N Champions.

Health awareness programs and engagements such as this will catalyze the demand for healthcare services in facilities. It will also help to improve enrolment for the BHCPF in the State. These in conjunction with other interventions will aid to reduce maternal and child mortality in the State.

By Isah Gidado and Philip Akoso | LISDEL.

Juliana Abude-Aribo | Editor | LISDEL