More than a year after the Kano State government passed the landmark Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law, its promises remain largely unfulfilled, and mothers and newborns continue to pay the price.
In response, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) on Wednesday in Kano convened a strategic training workshop to mobilize journalists and civil society organizations toward one goal, holding government accountable and pushing for the urgent implementation of the law.
The workshop, according to a statement issued by Furera Isiaka, CHRICED’s Communication Officer, was attended by media professionals, rights advocates, and development actors, is a direct response to the rising rates of maternal and child mortality in Kano State.
The statement quoted CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Dr. Ibrahim Zikirullahi as saying that over 576 women die per 100,000 live births, while 59 out of every 1,000 newborns die before their first birthday in Kano, figures that reflect a deepening health crisis.
Represented by CHRICED’s Board Member, Hajiya Nafisa Ado, the Executive Director, called the statistics “a state of emergency” and decried the failure to activate key provisions of the 2023 healthcare law.
“There is currently no operational framework, no strategic plan, and no consultative council to implement the law,” Zikirullahi said. “Without these mechanisms in place, the legislation exists only on paper, while poor women and children suffer the consequences.”
READ ALSO: CHRICED Slams Edo Gov Over Peter Obi Travel Restriction, Warns Against Erosion Of Democratic Rights
According to him, the workshop is designed to empower media and civil society actors to play an active role in demanding transparency and accountability in healthcare delivery by monitoring and reporting maternal and child health services.
He also charged the participants to be amplifying citizen voices to influence public policy and push for adequate budgetary allocation and stakeholder action
“Let us commit to a Kano where no woman dies while giving life, and where every child born has a real chance to survive and thrive. The law exists — now it must work.” He said.
The statement applauded MISEREOR-KZE of Germany for its continued support of health equity initiatives in Nigeria, while recognizing the tireless efforts of its board members, staff, and volunteers.
As the workshop concludes, CHRICED and its partners are hopeful that this convening will spark a renewed civic movement to transform the law from ink on paper into life-saving impact across Kano State.