By Maryam Ahmadu-Suka
Beneficiaries of the Faith and Cultural Champions (FCC) Project in Kaduna State have recounted how the initiative improved their understanding of maternal health, childbirth spacing and the importance of seeking timely medical care.
The beneficiaries shared their experiences in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna on Monday.
NAN reports that the project is targeting young married couples, women, men, youths and community leaders as well as mother in-laws to participate in discussions on maternal, newborn and child health.
The programme is being implemented by the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI) in partnership with the Ummulkhairi Foundation.
Naomi David said the knowledge gained from the programme had reinforced the need for women to seek appropriate healthcare when faced with pregnancy-related complications.
“Before now, I did not see the need to seek healthcare during and after my pregnancies because I felt I had the care I needed in my community.
“But from the knowledge I have gained during the sessions at FCC, my mindset has changed and I have pledged to become an advocate of women to get the needed help at health centres to protect themselves and their babies.”
Mrs Docas Zinable, another participant, said the sensitisation had improved her understanding of the risks associated with closely spaced pregnancies.
Mrs Naomi Mika pledged to share the information with women in her household and others who were unable to attend.
A mother of two, Blessing Michael, said her experience of pregnancy loss and raising young children had influenced her decision to allow a four-year gap before attempting another pregnancy.
“I have decided to allow a four-year gap before my next pregnancy so I can adequately care for my baby,” Michael said.
She said she wanted to give her eight-month-old baby adequate attention and care while allowing her body to recover before considering another pregnancy.
Michael, who also has a six-year-old child, said her experience had reinforced her belief in the importance of childbirth spacing.
The experiences of the beneficiaries come as the FCC Project expands community engagement on maternal and child health in Kaduna.
The initiative has also promoted childbirth spacing, antenatal care and skilled birth delivery through religious and cultural platforms.
In July, the project engaged couples and community stakeholders in Kubau Local Government Area on communication between spouses, pregnancy decisions and emergency transport planning.
The project has further taken childbirth-spacing and maternal health advocacy to religious settings, including the Emir of Zazzau’s Palace Mosque, where reported sensitisation reached about 5,000 Muslims.
NAN reports that the FCC Project is implemented by CCSI in partnership with the Ummulkhairi Foundation to address harmful social norms and promote informed reproductive health decisions.
The intervention targets religious and traditional leaders, husbands, mothers-in-law, young married couples and community volunteers as part of efforts to improve maternal, newborn and child health outcomes in Kaduna State. (NAN)
Edited by Yakubu Uba