By Hussaini Ibrahim Sulaiman
In a bid to ensure the effective implementation of the Kano State Free Maternal and Child Healthcare (FMNCH) Law 2023, the Resource Centre for Human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) has called for collective action among stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap for its execution.
The call was made by the group during a two-day Stakeholders Consultative Meeting held at the Grand Central Hotel, Bompai.
The meeting focused on developing an action plan to ensure effective execution of the law, which guarantees free healthcare services for mothers and children in Kano State.
Speaking with The Triumph, CHRICED’s Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, emphasized the urgent need to reduce maternal and child mortality in the state.
“This gathering underscores our shared responsibility to ensure that every mother and child in Kano has access to the healthcare they need and deserve,” he stated.
Zikirullahi stressed that collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, and civil society organizations is critical in translating the law into real impact.
“We must move beyond dialogue to develop actionable strategies that improve health outcomes for families in Kano State,” he urged, adding that stakeholders’ input would be vital in ensuring effective healthcare delivery.
CHRICED’s Senior Programs Officer, Omoniyi Adeoye, speaking on behalf of Prof. A.B. Ahmed of Bayero University Kano’s Faculty of Law, emphasized that investing in maternal and child health is key to upholding fundamental human rights.
He pointed out that the FMNCH Law covers crucial services such as free prenatal and postnatal care, cesarean sections, and treatment for ectopic pregnancies.
“Full implementation of this law is vital for achieving Universal Health Coverage in Kano State,” Adeoye stated
Despite its signing, he noted that execution remains a major challenge and called on civil society organizations and stakeholders to push for enforcement.
“The law must be implemented effectively to ensure it positively impacts the lives of women and children in the state,” he added.
Ajumawa L.A., representing the Ministry of Planning and Budget, described the stakeholders’ meeting as timely and stressed the need for sustainability. He also advocated for penalties against men who prevent their wives from accessing primary healthcare, emphasizing that such actions deprive women of their right to a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, Ajumawa called for a review of the state’s health trust fund to align it with the demands of the newly signed Kano Free Maternal and Child Healthcare Law for better service delivery
The Chairman of the Kano Emirate Council Committee on Health, Dr. Bashir I. Muhammad, who represented the Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II, raised concerns about accountability in implementing the law.
“Months after signing the law, we need to identify who should be held accountable for its non-implementation at the state, local government, and ward levels,” he stated.
The Emir emphasized the need for a structured roadmap and a well-defined work plan to ensure the law’s full execution.
The meeting witnessed participation from the Nigerian Medical Association and other key stakeholders committed to advancing maternal and child healthcare in the state.