Nigeria: Community Speak Out On Women's Childbirth Risks At Kura Town Hall

On a recent town hall meeting in Kura Local Government Area, Kano, community members voiced concerns over the risks associated with childbirth at Alkalawa Primary Healthcare Centre (PHC). The facility, a Level 2 health center serving several communities, has been upgraded under the IMPACT Project, but still struggles with gaps in health insurance, staffing, and facility readiness.

Residents report that women travel long distances to reach the center, often facing poor road conditions and limited transportation options. Despite steady patient flow, service access remains uneven, particularly for those without insurance or low-income households. Community leader Aliyu Yakubu noted that women's cries during labor are not only due to pain, but also due to inadequate treatment.

Baba Habibu added that residents lack the means to voice their complaints, as many do not have phones or contact information for reporting issues. Alkalawa PHC Officer-in-Charge Halima Saleh Danbatta acknowledged improvements in delivery services due to the labor room upgrade, but highlighted persistent gaps, including the lack of essential equipment such as a Pack Cell Volume (PCV) machine, insufficient staff, and inadequate potable water.

Dr. Mohammed Muktar Gora of Kano State's healthcare management agency explained available health insurance packages and complaint channels, but emphasized that awareness remains low. Residents must report issues to facility heads or Ward Development Committees. Limited staffing, equipment shortages, and weak accountability mechanisms continue to strain service delivery.

The community's call for action is clear: "No woman should fear giving birth," Aliyu Yakubu urged, emphasizing the need for practical improvements at the PHC level to align with Nigeria's Health Sector Renewal Plan.