Despite ongoing efforts to improve maternal and reproductive health, the Saif Advocacy Foundation (SAIF), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), has called for greater community involvement to reduce maternal mortality in Gombe State.
SAIF Programme Officer, Hajiya Farida Dunama, emphasized that comprehensive education at the grassroots level is crucial for lowering maternal mortality and improving healthcare outcomes for women.
While calling for an awareness campaign, Mr. Alhassan Yahya, the Executive Director of SAIF, explained the importance of antenatal care (ANC) services for the health of women and unborn children.
He stressed that before delivery, expectant mothers should visit the hospital for check-ups at least eight times, but the majority do not.
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“ANC is in the red in Gombe State. More efforts are needed to improve antenatal care services towards reducing maternal mortality,” Yahya stated.
SAIF and its partners have made strides in expanding healthcare access, but Yahya stressed the need for more action to encourage pregnant women and their families to seek antenatal care early.
He called on the media and key stakeholders to advocate for increased government funding to raise awareness and improve ANC services.
Hajiya Farida Dunama, SAIF’s Programme Officer, shared that a recent three-month project, backed by the Clinton Health Access Initiative, helped engage stakeholders and educate communities.
Similarly, Saudatu Isa, a consultant with the Clinton Health Access Initiative, emphasized teamwork, stating that ensuring healthcare access for all women requires a collective effort from all sectors.
