Group Urges Community Action Against Maternal Child Deaths In Jigawa

A civil society organization known as Weak Defender Social Foundation has launched a public enlightenment campaign on the need for greater community participation in tackling the high rate of maternal and child death in Jigawa State.

Speaking during the flag-off of the campaign titled: “Unity for Safe Delivery,” Ibrahim Muhammed Junaid, the Secretary of the Association, said everyone in the community has a role to play in supporting pregnant women to achieve safe motherhood, starting from the first week of conception.

According to him, traditionally, a pregnant woman is regarded as a community asset, and as such she receives special care and support from all. He noted that this culture must be revived now to tackle the menace of the high rate of child and maternal death in society.

He added that their campaign will focus on enlightening the immediate family and community to support pregnant women and lactating mothers with adequate nutrition and a balanced diet using available resources in the area.

The secretary maintained that the community will be sensitised on need to facilitate and support women to access antenatal services from the nearest healthcare facility, while advocating for the government to make these services affordable and accessible for everyone, regardless of financial status and geographical location.

“In case of emergency, the community shall collaborate to provide transportation, blood donation, and other necessary support to rescue the mother’s life and ensure she delivers safely at the health facility.

“We will also engage healthcare workers and hospital management to remind them of the need to uphold their professional ethics, which are embodied in selfless service to humanity, and to show more compassion and a humanitarian approach when handling cases involving children and pregnant women.

“We are optimistic that with collaborative efforts between the government, the community, civil society, and partners, the high rate of maternal and child death can be reduced to the barest minimum level in Jigawa State, as many countries have already achieved this,” Junaid declared.