Female journalists tasked on maternal health reporting

This charge was given by Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau at  a one-day seminar on maternal mortality organized by the state’s chapter of the National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) in Kano yesterday. Malam Shekarau who spoke through the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture, Youths and Sports, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi lamented that it […]

This charge was given by Kano State governor, Malam Ibrahim Shekarau at  a one-day seminar on maternal mortality organized by the state’s chapter of the National Association of Women Journalist (NAWOJ) in Kano yesterday.

Malam Shekarau who spoke through the state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture, Youths and Sports, Barrister Haruna Isa Dederi lamented that it was unfortunate that northern Nigeria has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the country.

He maintained that it had become imperative for the women journalists to intensify awareness on the prevention, causes and remedy for maternal mortality through the media.

Shakarau noted that in a bid to cut down the maternal mortality rate in the state, maternal and child care are offer free to women and children in the state.

Also speaking, one of the facilitators, Dr Ibrahim Yakassai noted that the causes of maternal deaths were preventable so far women were aware and had access to health care during and after pregnancy.

Yakassai added that early marriage which, in most cases, is being listed as a common cause of maternal mortality in northern Nigeria, is being over stressed, saying girls of 15 years and even younger do survive pregnancy and child delivery in developed countries.

He emphasized that the most important thing is awareness and access to health care among women of all ages.