Emir Sanusi has stressed the importance of traditional rulers in improving maternal and child health in Northern Nigeria. At the 1st International Conference on Sustainable Population Health in Kano, he called for urgent action to address maternal and newborn mortality. The Emir pointed out that cultural attitudes and weak policies worsen these issues, especially in rural areas.
Emir Sanusi Highlights the Health Challenges
The surprising stats concerning the health of women and children in Nigeria were revealed by Emir Sanusi. The WHO reports that Nigeria contributes around 20% to the world’s maternal deaths, while 770 Nigerians die daily of preventable health issues.
The Emir explained that most women in Northern Nigeria perish in childbirth because they do not attain any form of healthcare. Children face the same challenges. In the North-East, 59% of all displaced persons are children who face violence, malnutrition, and poor healthcare.
Emir Sanusi Calls for Cultural and Policy Changes
Emir Sanusi challenged cultural practices that harm women and children. He criticized the practice of men marrying many wives and having more children than they could care for. He questioned why such practices continue to strain families and society.
He also highlighted how traditional leaders can create change. “Traditional rulers must know the number of pregnant women and children in their communities,” he said. This data can help track health outcomes, like immunization rates and deaths.
Why Traditional Rulers Are Key
Traditional rulers, like Emir Sanusi, are trusted leaders in their communities. They can guide families to make better health choices. For example, they can encourage mothers to attend antenatal care and give birth in hospitals.
The Emir emphasized that these leaders are essential for gathering data. Without knowing how many children are born or how many mothers die, it is hard to address health challenges. He called on the government to work closely with traditional rulers.
Health Experts Share More Insights
Professor Aliko Ahmed, a global health diplomat, expressed how dire the maternal and newborn mortality situation had become in Nigeria. He stated that health policies focus on prevention, education, and better healthcare.
Dr Hadiza Galadanchi from the Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy shared a great story where her team is training 274 postgraduate students to conduct public health research to find solutions for how one treats anemia during pregnancy.
What Journalists and Policymakers Can Do
Journalists can raise awareness about the health issues facing mothers and children in Nigeria. By sharing stories and data, they can show why change is needed.
Policymakers can work with traditional leaders to gather better health data and create strong policies. For example, they can provide free healthcare for pregnant women and fund immunization programs.
Conclusion
Emir Sanusi’s call for action highlights the urgent need to protect mothers and children in Nigeria. Traditional rulers, government leaders, and health experts must work together to solve these problems.
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References
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