By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Medical experts in Jigawa State have identified community outreach as a highly effective method for promoting family planning and personal hygiene among women in rural and semi-urban areas.
Deputy in Charge and Head of the Antenatal Care Unit at Madobi Primary Healthcare Clinic in Dutse, Hajiya Aisha Bala, disclosed in an interview with National Update.
She noted that outreach efforts have significantly increased the number of women adopting family planning methods and understanding the importance of hygiene.
“Community outreach allows us to engage women directly in their communities, creating a comfortable environment for discussions about family planning and personal hygiene. This approach has yielded impressive results, with more women now recognizing that family planning is their right,” Hajiya Bala said.
She explained that during outreach sessions, women are gathered in the homes of village leaders, where healthcare personnel educate them about the benefits and methods of family planning. This strategy has been particularly beneficial for newly married women who wish to delay childbirth for education or personal reasons.
The outreach campaigns have resulted in a dramatic increase in participation. “On average, we see about 24 to 33 women weekly at our facilities. However, during outreach programs, the number rises to between 100 and 120 women accepting and receiving family planning commodities,” she revealed.
Middle-aged women, aged 24 to 45, are the most receptive to family planning, according to Hajiya Bala. She added that while there are provisions for adolescents as young as 15, these services are not offered locally due to religious considerations.
Hajiya Bala highlighted the need for more resources to sustain and expand outreach efforts, especially in underserved areas. She praised the contributions of non-governmental organizations that have previously supported the program but noted that healthcare workers often take the initiative to continue outreach visits due to high community demand.
“Women frequently request that we return for additional sessions. Their enthusiasm drives us to fulfill these promises, even when resources are limited,” she said.
The outreach initiative has proven essential in empowering women in Jigawa State, fostering healthier communities, and ensuring informed decision-making regarding family planning and hygiene practices.