TCI calls for strengthening birth spacing initiatives in Jigawa

By: Ahmed Aminu, Dutse

The Challenge Initiative (TCI), a a global programme focused on accelerating the scale of family planning and reproductive health services, has called for the strengthening of birth spacing initiatives in Jigawa State to improve health outcomes of children and mothers.

TCI which run a two-year birth spacing pprogramme in seven local government areas of the state, said the gains made should be sustained after its exit in June.

This was contained in a statement issued by the TCI media focal person, Ya’u Muhammad Sani, and made available to The Syndicate in Dutse, the state capital.

“The Challenge Initiative calls on the seven participating local government areas to ensure that the knowledge and strategies gained will be sustained in the communities beyond the programme’s closeout.

“The meeting also reinforced the commitment to strengthening birth spacing initiatives and enhancing the long-term health outcomes in Jigawa state,” the statement added.

The TCI has held a wrap up meeting attended by key stakeholders including directors, health promotion officers, focal persons, and the TCI teams from the seven participating LGAs.

The local government areas are Birnin Kudi, Buji, Dutse, Gwaram, Jahun, Kiyawa and Ringim.

TCI worked closely with Jigawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency and local stakeholders to implement evidence-based strategies that increased access and demand for family planning services.

It empowered local communities and strengthened healthcare systems ro improve maternal and child health outcomes.

The TCI is a global programme focused on accelerating the scale of family planning and reproductive health services, particularly birth spacing, in the developing world.