Faith leaders urged to confront beliefs, family decisions driving maternal deaths in Kano

Faith leaders in Kano, Nigeria, are being called upon to play a more active role in combating maternal mortality by confronting harmful cultural and religious beliefs. These deeply ingrained practices often delay or prevent pregnant women from seeking essential medical care, contributing significantly to preventable deaths.

A recent two-day interfaith workshop, titled “Save Lives: An Interfaith Workshop on Reducing Maternal Mortality,” brought together religious leaders, health professionals, and government officials. Participants examined the critical "three delays" associated with maternal deaths: the delay in recognizing the need for care, the delay in reaching a health facility, and the delay in receiving adequate treatment once there. Findings from community dialogues in Gaya Local Government Area underscored these challenges.

The discussions revealed that access to care is frequently hindered by factors beyond the mere availability of health facilities. Decisions made by husbands and senior family members, difficulties with transportation, and specific beliefs surrounding childbirth all play a crucial role in determining whether a woman receives timely and appropriate medical attention during pregnancy and labor.

Religious leaders, recognized for the trust they command, are seen as pivotal in this effort. Adeniyi Ogunbanwo, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kano State, emphasized that sermons, weddings, and other church gatherings offer platforms to educate families on maternal health. However, he cautioned against using religious interpretations to discourage women from seeking professional medical help, noting that some women mistakenly believe childbirth should occur without medical assistance based on certain biblical references. CAN is collaborating with the Kano State Primary Healthcare Board to develop educational materials for churches across the state.

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People listen to religious leaders. So, we have a lot to play, and mostly by speaking.