In Ghari Local Government Area of Kano State, a community-based programme is teaching pregnant women to recognize warning signs of complications and seek timely medical care. The Furanni initiative, organized by Nigeria Health Watch in collaboration with the Five Cowrie Art Education Initiative on 23 August 2026, employs art-based learning approaches to bridge the knowledge gap regarding pregnancy danger signs and the significance of antenatal care.
For Amina Mukhtar Umar, a participant in the programme, the training significantly altered her approach to responding to health concerns. She explained that before the session, she did not know much about prolonged labour. Now she understands what it means and what actions should be taken when labour begins,” she said.
Amina has actively applied the lessons by encouraging a pregnant woman who had previously skipped antenatal visits to begin attending health facilities regularly. Additionally, she advised a mother whose child had experienced a fever to seek medical attention instead of relying on herbal remedies. She is now recovering well,” Amina explained. Furthermore, the programme also taught her to identify bleeding during labour as an emergency situation requiring immediate medical care.
Hajara Yunus, the Furanni hub facilitator in Ghari, explained that the session covered understanding prolonged labour, its potential underlying causes, and the critical importance of seeking prompt medical assistance. She noted that factors such as a baby’s position or size, delivery difficulties, and inadequate antenatal monitoring can contribute to complications. Hajara emphasized that regular antenatal visits enable health workers to identify risks and plan appropriate care, while urging the government to equip facilities with trained personnel and emergency resources.
The lessons align with the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), which prioritizes strengthening primary healthcare, enhancing community engagement, and ensuring equitable access to quality health services. According to the report, policymakers should strengthen emergency referral systems, improve transportation infrastructure, and ensure health facilities have skilled personnel and necessary equipment to manage obstetric complications effectively. Community organisations and residents must also continue their support for efforts aimed at improving access to maternal healthcare.