CHRICED urges evidence-based action to tackle maternal, child mortality in Kano

Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has convened a high-level Validation Workshop on the Draft Report of the Facility Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Readiness Assessment in Kano State, bringing together key stakeholders in the health sector to review findings and chart a path toward improved maternal and child health outcomes.

The workshop, attracted senior officials of the Kano State Ministry of Health, representatives of government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations, and health sector experts.

Delivering the welcome address, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, described the validation exercise as a critical milestone in strengthening primary healthcare service delivery for women and children across Kano State.

According to him, the workshop was designed to provide stakeholders with an opportunity to rigorously review the draft report, including its methodology, findings, conclusions, and recommendations, with a view to ensuring that the final document reflects realities on the ground and supports evidence-based planning.

“This gathering marks an important step in our collective effort to strengthen maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in Kano State. Beyond reviewing the draft report, this platform allows us to draw on the wealth of experience in this room to enrich the final document and make it a practical tool for action,” he said.

Dr. Ibrahim commended participants for attending the workshop despite their busy schedules, noting that their presence underscored a shared commitment to addressing the persistent challenge of maternal and child mortality in the state.

He described maternal and child health not only as a public health issue but as a moral imperative and a global development priority, while acknowledging the ongoing efforts of the Kano State Government to confront the challenge.

“As a civil society organisation, CHRICED believes that one of the most meaningful ways to support government is by empowering citizens with accurate information, highlighting what is working, and constructively identifying gaps that require urgent attention,” he stated.

CHRICED Executive Director noted that Nigeria accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global maternal and child deaths, with Kano State bearing a disproportionate share of the burden.

He stressed that reversing this trend would require bold, coordinated, and sustained action.

Such actions, he said, include improving access to quality healthcare services for women and children, strengthening emergency referral and transport systems, upgrading primary healthcare facilities, and investing in the training, motivation, and welfare of frontline health workers.

Dr. Ibrahim recalled that since 2016, CHRICED has worked closely with government institutions, community stakeholders, and development partners to promote practical solutions aimed at improving MNCH outcomes in Kano State.

“Our advocacy has consistently focused on ensuring that every woman and child—regardless of socio-economic status—can access quality, life-saving healthcare services,” he said.

He also acknowledged the contributions of development partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and others, whose support has continued to strengthen maternal, newborn, and child health interventions in the state.

Explaining the rationale behind the MNCH Readiness Assessment, Dr. Ibrahim said the study was conducted in the spirit of partnership and shared responsibility, with the aim of generating credible data to inform policy and programming.

“The assessment provides a comprehensive analysis of service delivery capacity, infrastructure, human resources, availability of essential commodities, and the barriers faced by both health providers and communities,” he explained.

He expressed confidence that the findings of the study would offer actionable, evidence-based insights to guide policy reforms and targeted investments geared toward reducing maternal and child mortality in Kano State.

Calling on participants to actively engage with the draft report, Dr. Ibrahim stressed that their critiques, perspectives, and recommendations were crucial to improving the quality and usefulness of the final document.

“Your contributions today will help shape a more responsive, equitable, and effective MNCH framework for Kano State. The final report should serve as a valuable resource for government, development partners, researchers, and all stakeholders committed to strengthening primary healthcare,” he added.

In his closing remarks, the CHRICED Executive Director expressed profound gratitude to Misereor/KZE of Germany for its unwavering support and commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of women and children in Nigeria, particularly in Kano State.

He also commended the Board of Directors and staff of CHRICED for their dedication and hard work, which he said continue to drive the organisation’s mission of promoting accountable, people-centred governance.

Dr. Ibrahim concluded by wishing participants fruitful deliberations and expressing optimism that the outcomes of the workshop would contribute meaningfully to improved maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes in Kano State.