By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
As its two-year intervention nears completion, The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a global non-governmental organization, has called on local authorities in Jigawa State to sustain the momentum of its birth spacing campaign to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
TCI made the appeal during a review meeting held at the Dutse Local Government NPI office, where stakeholders gathered to assess the impact of the Social Mobilization on Birth Spacing programme.
The meeting brought together representatives from the Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (JSPHCDA), state and local health promotion officers, and members of the TCI team.
In a statement issued by the media focal person, Ya’u Muhammad Sani, the organization confirmed that the first phase of the programme, implemented across seven local government areas—Birnin Kudu, Buji, Dutse, Gwaram, Jahun, Kiyawa, and Ringim—will conclude in June 2025.
“The Challenge Initiative urges participating LGAs to continue implementing the knowledge and strategies acquired during the programme to ensure its long-term benefits are felt within communities,” Sani stated.
He emphasized that the review meeting served as a critical platform to reflect on achievements, share lessons learned, and reinforce commitments to sustaining birth spacing practices even after TCI’s exit.
“TCI has worked closely with JSPHCDA and community stakeholders over the past two years to scale up family planning services using evidence-based approaches.
“These efforts have aimed to expand access, increase demand, and strengthen healthcare systems in rural communities—contributing to healthier families and improved public health indicators.
“Birth spacing is not just a health issue; it is a strategy for building stronger, more resilient communities,” Sani added.
TCI’s global mission focuses on accelerating family planning and reproductive health services in developing regions, with the Jigawa project serving as a model for community-led sustainability beyond donor support.
