THE Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has decried the alarming rate of maternal mortality rate in Kano State, stating that the state is the ‘worst’ place to give birth in the world, going by the available statistics which places Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest mortality rate in the world, and Kano being the most populated state in the country.
Mr. Omoniyi Adewale, the Senior Program Officer of CHRICED, made the declaration on behalf of Executive Director Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi during a visit of Association of Kano Online Journalists (ASKOJ), to the organization’s office on Tuesday.
He also issued a compelling call for media intervention to ensure the Kano State’s Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law that was made during the last administration is not politicized.
According to him,the law, which was enacted on May 10, 2023, under the previous administration of Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, has faced significant delays in implementation due to political shifts under the current Governor Yusuf Abba Kabir.
Omoniyi highlighted that CHRICED played a crucial role in advocating for the law’s creation, making Kano the first state in Nigeria to establish such a legislation, but however rued that despite its groundbreaking nature, the law remains largely inactive.
“The response to the Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law has been disheartening,” Omoniyi remarked. “What was once celebrated as a significant achievement now lies dormant due to political reasons. The current administration seems reluctant to adopt policies from its predecessor, regardless of their merits.”
Omoniyi criticized the political maneuvering that has overshadowed the law’s potential benefits. “It’s frustrating that, despite the law’s importance, there has been a troubling silence around its implementation. The law was heralded as a milestone, yet it is now merely gathering dust.”
Emphasizing the media’s role, Omoniyi urged ASKOJ to leverage their platform to pressure the government into acknowledging and acting on the law. He stressed that while the current administration has expressed concern for child and maternal health, these efforts should align with the established law to ensure continuity and effectiveness.
“There is a law in place that guarantees sustainability,” Omoniyi said. “We need your help to remind the government of the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law, 2023. Your role as the fourth estate is crucial in setting the agenda and ensuring that the government prioritizes this essential issue.”
In response, Concrete Salisu Yakubu, Chairman of ASKOJ, recognized CHRICED’s vital work in human rights and civic advocacy. He affirmed that ASKOJ members are committed to highlighting CHRICED’s initiatives and improving their own capacity in reporting sensitive human rights issues to avoid potential litigation.
Yakubu also expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “Working with CHRICED, we believe we can effectively raise awareness and drive change regarding the implementation of this critical law.”
The meeting underscores a shared commitment to advancing maternal and child health in Kano State, spotlighting the need for sustained advocacy and media engagement to overcome political obstacles and realize the law’s intended benefits.
