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

For many women in Kano, the risks associated with childbirth begin long before labour.

Cultural beliefs, religious misconceptions, financial hardship, delayed antenatal care and reliance on traditional remedies can prevent pregnant women from reaching health facilities when they need care.

These barriers were highlighted at a two-day interfaith workshop in Kano, where religious leaders, health professionals, government officials and development partners examined how communities can help reduce maternal deaths.

The workshop, titled “Save Lives: An Interfaith Workshop on Reducing Maternal Mortality”, was organised under the Advocacy and Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child Nutrition and Health (AIM-MNCNH) project and held on Monday in Kano State.

Participants examined the “three delays” associated with maternal deaths and findings from community dialogues in Gaya Local Government Area of Kano State.