By Victor Christopher
A Civil Society Group, Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), on Thursday, launched a new project to address the prevalence of maternal and child mortality in Kano State.
Grassroots Parrot reports that the project was tagged “Promotion of Democratic Participation in Nigeria: Social Accountability in the Implementation of Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law”
The move, according to CHRICED, was aimed at halting the alarming rates of maternal and child mortality in the state through strategic action and community engagement.
Speaking at the inaugural press briefing for the project, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, stressed the scourge of infant and maternal deaths in Kano.
According to him, the state records a staggering 1,025 deaths per 100,000 live births, stressing the importance of community engagement and collaboration in achieving the project’s goal.
“We urge all key stakeholders involved in the Kano State Maternal and Child Healthcare Framework to join forces with us in advocating for the thorough and effective implementation of the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law.” He said.
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Comrade Zikirullahi further pointed that Nigeria accounts for 10% of global deaths related to pregnancy and childbirth, with 576 deaths per 100,000 live births.
The Executive Director identified limited access to healthcare services and accountability as parts of the major challenges. He said actualization of the law will address the healthcare challenges in the state.
According to the CHRICED boss, the three-year project aims to facilitate the effective implementation of the Kano State Free Maternal Newborn and Child Healthcare (FMNCH) Law, 2023.
He said “the project will foster a culture of social accountability and transparency in the allocation of budgets for maternal and child healthcare.
“It will educate the public on their rights to maternal and child healthcare and mobilize community members to advocate for the effective delivery of healthcare services.”
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He expressed gratitude to MISEREOR-KZE, Germany, for supporting the project and their other unwavering commitment to the welfare of women and children in Nigeria.
Also speaking at the briefing, the representative of MISEREOR-KZE from Germany, Mrs. Julia Krojer, said the organisation was committed to addressing maternal and child mortality in Africa in terms of religion.
Mrs. Krojer, however, applauded CHRICED for its commitment to halting avoidable death in Kano State.