Organization United Muslim Leaders, Health Experts in Kano to Tackle Maternal Mortality
By Aishat Ahmad
Religious leaders, health experts and development partners have called for stronger faith-based and community-driven action to reduce preventable maternal deaths in Kano State, as the Every Pregnancy Project engaged Muslim scholars and key stakeholders in a strategic dialogue on maternal and newborn health.
The engagement brought together ulama from Izala, Tijjaniyya and Qadiriyya sects, representatives of the Gates Foundation, FCDO Lafiya Programme, CCSI III BF BUK, health professionals and media practitioners to discuss practical solutions and collaborative approaches to protecting mothers and babies.
Chief Executive Officer of the Every Pregnancy Project, Isra Chaker, said the initiative is a faith-led global movement focused on saving the lives of mothers and babies from preventable complications, with Nigeria — particularly Kano State — identified as a priority area due to high maternal mortality rates.
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According to her, the objective of the meeting was to listen, learn and reflect with community and religious leaders on how best to support local efforts and strengthen existing structures addressing maternal health challenges.
“Every Pregnancy is a partner-driven coalition with global scope. We are a movement without borders. Wherever moms and babies are dying from preventable causes, we want to be there to serve and save lives — not just for survival, but for long-term wellbeing,” Chaker said.
She explained that the project’s strategies include building strong stakeholder collaboration, using data and technical expertise to guide interventions, mobilising resources for frontline health implementers, and promoting community-driven investment through faith and social responsibility.
Chaker added that the project is working to amplify the role of Muslim scholars and institutions in reshaping public understanding and support for maternal healthcare, placing it alongside traditional charitable priorities such as food and water support.
Speaking at the session, Shaikh Mustapha Briggs highlighted Islamic teachings on maternal care, noting that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) strongly emphasized the protection and support of pregnant women and families. He said the gathering of scholars from different sects created a platform to jointly identify solutions and a clear way forward.
He also revealed that one of the proposals discussed is partnering with existing waqf foundations to mobilise sustainable funding aimed at reducing maternal deaths in Kano. He urged Muslims, especially as Ramadan approaches, to expand their charitable giving toward long-term social impact projects, including maternal health.
In a technical presentation, Professor Hadiza Galadanci outlined major causes of maternal deaths in Kano State, including financial barriers, poor access to care, cultural practices, weak health infrastructure and shortage of skilled personnel, noting that preeclampsia remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality.
Senior Programme Officer of Every Pregnancy Project for Nigeria and Mali, Ibrahim Galla, said the organisation is ready to collaborate with waqf foundations and health contributory schemes in Kano State, explaining that due process and partnership procedures must be completed before funds are committed.
Participants agreed that reducing maternal mortality will require joint action from faith institutions, government agencies, donors, media and community groups, with sustained investment and advocacy to protect mothers and newborns across the state.