Stakeholders in Kano State on Wednesday converged for a validation workshop on the draft report of the Facility Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Readiness Assessment, with the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) calling for bold, coordinated, and sustained action to reduce maternal and child mortality in the state.
Speaking at the event, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi, said the workshop marked “a significant step in our collective journey toward strengthening maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in Kano State,” noting that the validation process would help ensure the final report truly reflects realities within the primary healthcare system.
Dr. Zikirullahi explained that the workshop was designed to allow stakeholders to critically review the draft report’s methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations, while contributing expert insights that would strengthen evidence-based planning for improved MNCH service delivery.
He thanked officials of the Kano State Ministry of Health, development partners, and civil society organisations for attending despite their busy schedules, describing their presence as “a powerful testament to our shared commitment to confronting the persistent challenge of maternal and child mortality in Kano State.”
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the CHRICED boss noted that maternal and child health is both a public health concern and a moral imperative. “Nigeria currently accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global maternal and child deaths, with Kano State bearing a disproportionate share of this burden,” he said.
Dr. Zikirullahi also stressed that reversing the trend would require improved access to quality healthcare, stronger emergency transport systems, better-equipped primary healthcare facilities, and sustained investment in the training and welfare of frontline health workers.
CHRICED Demands Halt to Allegedly Altered Tax Laws, Prosecution of Culprits
While acknowledging efforts by the Kano State Government, Dr. Ibrahim said civil society organisations like CHRICED play a crucial role by empowering citizens with accurate information, highlighting progress, and constructively identifying gaps that require urgent attention.
He disclosed that since 2016, CHRICED has worked with government institutions, community actors, and development partners to advance practical solutions for improving MNCH outcomes in the state, with advocacy focused on ensuring that “every woman and child—regardless of socio-economic status—can access quality, life-saving healthcare services.”
According to him, the MNCH Readiness Assessment conducted by CHRICED across primary healthcare facilities in Kano provides a comprehensive picture of service delivery capacity, infrastructure, human resources, essential commodities, and barriers faced by both providers and communities.
“We are confident that the findings will offer actionable, evidence-based insights to guide policy reforms and targeted investments aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality,” he added.
READ ALSO: 2026 Budget: CHRICED Urges Kano Govt To Implement Free Maternal Health Law
The Executive Director urged participants to engage rigorously with the interim report, emphasising that their critiques and recommendations were vital to enriching the final document and making it a valuable resource for government, development partners, researchers, and other stakeholders committed to strengthening Kano’s primary healthcare system.
Dr. Zikirullahi is hopeful that the validation process would help shape “a more responsive, equitable, and effective MNCH framework for our state.”
He expressed gratitude to Misereor/KZE of Germany for its sustained support toward improving the health and wellbeing of women and children in Kano State, while also commending the Board and staff of CHRICED for their dedication to promoting accountable and people-centred governance.