The Kano State Government, through KNSG its Ministry of Health and key partners, has launched a new Social and Behaviour Change Communication (SBCC) strategy to boost maternal and child health across the state.
According to a statement by the public relations officer Kano ministry of health, Nabilu,si Abubakar, yhe comprehensive plan was developed during a three-day workshop.
The event attracted top health policymakers, traditional leaders, civil society representatives, youth organizations, and media professionals, all dedicated to improving health-seeking behavior in Kano.
In his opening remarks, Kano State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf represented by the Director-General Drugs, Medical and Consumables Supply Agency (DMCSA) Pharmacist Gali Sule, assured the public that the new SBCC plan would tackle cultural barriers that discourage women, children, and adolescents from utilizing reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and nutrition (RMNCAH+N) services.
“This strategy is key to creating awareness, breaking harmful cultural practices, and encouraging health-seeking behavior that will save lives,”
The participatory workshop engaged participants in thematic group sessions, where they analyzed social norms, behavioral bottlenecks, and enabling factors limiting access to vital health services.
Presentations on proven global SBCC techniques and local data ensured the final blueprint is culturally sensitive, practical, and easy to implement.
Key partners supporting the initiative including UKaid, Lafiya Programme, Society for Family Health (SFH), A360 Project, and Matasa Matan Arewa expressed their full commitment to boosting Kano’s healthcare system.
They pledged sustained support to drive grassroots advocacy, community dialogues, media campaigns, and digital outreach to improve RMNCAH+N service uptake.
As the workshop concluded, participants shared optimism that the newly-developed SBCC blueprint will empower women and youth to make informed health decisions and help reduce maternal and child mortality rates across Kano State.
With strong stakeholder collaboration and targeted messaging, Kano’s health authorities are determined to close gaps in reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, adolescent health and nutrition ensuring a healthier future for all.