A Paediatric Specialist at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Shika, Zaria, Dr. Fatima Abdullahi, has called for early antenatal attendance among pregnant women to ensure safe motherhood and reduce complications during pregnancy.
She made the call at a Health Education Workshop on Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) and Community Birth Surveillance for Men, organised by the Faith and Cultural Champions, Al’Mannar Women Association, held at Sarki Musa Primary School, Kwarba, Zaria.
Dr. Abdullahi explained that early and regular antenatal care enables health workers to detect risk factors that could endanger the lives of both mother and baby.
She listed danger signs in pregnancy to include severe headache, high fever, vaginal bleeding, persistent vomiting and sharp abdominal pain, emphasizing that such symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Dr. Abdullahi stressed that the sensitisation programme was particularly targeted at men, youths and young women, noting that the support of men plays a crucial role in ensuring pregnant women access proper healthcare.
She appealed to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and other opinion leaders to continue supporting initiatives aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes within their communities.
Earlier in her remarks, the Ameerah of Al’Mannar Women Association, Hajiya Rabi Umar Sodangi, explained that the workshop was organized to enlighten men and adolescent girls on the importance of antenatal care, safe delivery, and overall wellbeing of mothers and newborns.
She emphasized the need for men to provide moral, financial, and physical support to their pregnant wives, particularly in attending antenatal clinics and ensuring delivery in recognized health facilities.
In her remarks, Monotoring and Evaluation officer,Hajiya Ummulkuthum Mohammed Ali,appreciated participants for their commitment to promoting community health.
Also speaking, the representative of the District Head of Zaria and kewaye Alhaji Ibrahim Sarki, assured that traditional leaders would continue to support efforts aimed at raising awareness among men on the importance of antenatal care and hospital delivery.
He pledged sustained collaboration with relevant health and community groups to improve family health practices across the emirate.
Some of the participants assured that they use the knowledge acquired to disseminate to others for betterment of their pregnancy.
The workshop attracted men, youths, women leaders, and health professionals from various communities in Zaria.
COV/Ibrahim Suleiman
