KanSLAM engages media to boost reporting on child birth spacing, maternal health in Kano

The Kano State-led Accountability Mechanism (KanSLAM) has held a sensitization session with media professionals in the state to enhance reporting on Child Birth Spacing (CBS) and Maternal and Child Health (MNCH).

During the engagement recently,  KanSLAM Co-chair, Pharm. Maimuna Yakubu stressed the need for stronger public awareness around CBS and MNCH through accurate and consistent media coverage.

She encouraged journalists and media organizations to probe deeper into gaps within the health system and spotlight areas that require urgent government response to reduce maternal and child deaths in the state.

Pharm. Yakubu also urged residents to speak up whenever they encounter poor services at their Primary Healthcare Centers, noting that community feedback is vital for triggering timely and effective interventions.

SolaceBase reports that the sensitization meeting aimed to equip media managers and practitioners with the knowledge and tools necessary to use the media as a sustained advocacy platform for issues relating to CBS and MNCH.

Read Also:Kaduna train attack: Terrorist leader gave Tukur Mamu N50m from ransom paid–DSS operative

The broader objective is to help reverse Kano’s troubling maternal and child health indicators and increase the adoption of family planning services.

Representing the KanSLAM Advocacy Sub-committee, Dr Musa Bello underscored the importance of reproductive health, family planning, and maternal and child health services as key indicators of societal wellbeing.

He highlighted the significant challenges facing Kano State in providing these services, despite its large population, which includes nearly three million women of reproductive age. According to him, the state continues to grapple with high fertility rates and an alarming maternal mortality ratio.

Although some women use modern contraceptives, many still lack access to essential family planning services. Dr. Bello identified numerous factors driving maternal deaths, including delays in receiving emergency care, low rates of surgical deliveries when needed, and shortages of lifesaving drugs, functional blood banks, and critical equipment.

He added that several primary healthcare centers operate without basic amenities such as stable electricity and water supply, and also struggle with low staff morale and inadequate supervision. Weak data-driven planning and the insufficient use of community structures—such as traditional rulers and local committees—further slow down progress.

Dr. Bello called on the media to intensify advocacy by bringing these issues to the forefront and demanding stronger government action.