Bilki Lawan. Married at 16, pregnant at 19, and now a full-time housewife in the Ringim Local Government Area, Jigawa state, Nigeria. Her husband, like many people in the Yandutse community, doesn’t believe in Antenatal Care Services (ANC). “It’s a taboo,” her husband said. “Babies should not be tampered with.” Home births are the norm in their community, and maternal deaths are frequently reported. Bilki never planned to attend any ANC until A360-trained mentors visited her community.
They were raising awareness about the importance of antenatal care for pregnant girls and young women. It was a pilot program for the Maternal and Newborn Child Health (MNCH) adaptation pilot program. The MNCH adaptation is an add-on to the existing Matasa Matan Arewa Adolescent 360 program in the state. It seemed harmless, and they appeared friendly, so she attended because she didn’t have anything else to do, anyway. “There is no harm in hearing what this is about,” she reasoned. During the Life Family and Health Sessions, she gleaned interesting and illuminating information on reproductive and family health, financial literacy, life skills, and income- generating activities.
She learned about the risks associated with not attending antenatal care classes, including possible complications during pregnancy and childbirth that could potentially harm both her and her baby. They urged her to return for more sessions, but she laughed and said her husband would never agree to that. It’s a taboo. “Come with him, then,” they coaxed. They obviously didn’t know her husband, but she talked to him in her language daily until he relented. “Just to have a look,” he said cynically. In the next session with her husband, the Male IPCAs used visual aids to take him through a journey of various scenarios that depict the relevance of ANC in achieving a healthy pregnancy. He sat with his arms crossed, but then he started taking interest the more they spoke.
By the end, he was sold on the idea and consented to his wife registering and attending the next ANC session. He even promised to come to future sessions should his work permit him. With her husband’s support, Bilki continued attending her antenatal care appointments, where she received essential medical screenings, care, and counseling from A360-trained ANC Experts. She was able to access vital drugs and supplements to support her baby’s healthy growth and address potential health issues before they became a serious threat to her pregnancy. She’s currently on her way to happy motherhood. Bilki’s journey reflects the transformative power of Education and Awareness in challenging traditional beliefs and embracing beneficial healthcare practices. Her decision to seek ANC not only improved her health but also set a positive example for many other married girls and young women in her community.
A360 Nigeria Collaborates with young people and government health systems to address barriers to access and use of health services among adolescent girls.
By Dionne Oguna, Senior Specialist Project Communications, A360
