Health experts have called for greater involvement of men in maternal and child healthcare.
They said fathers who actively support their partners during pregnancy, childbirth and childcare help improve health outcomes for mothers and children.
A Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at Suzan Hospital, Suleja, Dr Ameerah Yusuf, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja.
According to her, male involvement extends beyond financial support and plays a vital role in promoting family health and wellbeing.
According to her, fathers who attend antenatal clinics with their wives, understand pregnancy-related complications and support decisions on skilled birth attendance contribute significantly to safer pregnancies and deliveries.
“Many maternal deaths can be prevented when husbands recognise danger signs early and ensure their wives receive prompt medical attention.
“Pregnancy should not be seen as a woman’s responsibility alone. Men have an important role in ensuring positive maternal and newborn outcomes,” she said.
Also speaking, a Public Health Specialist at General Hospital Suleja, Dr Chinedu Okafor, said studies had shown that children whose fathers were actively involved in their upbringing recorded better health outcomes.
According to him, such children were more likely to receive routine immunisation, proper nutrition and timely medical care.
“Encouraging men to participate in maternal and child healthcare would also strengthen family relationships and improve children’s physical and emotional development,” he said.
However, Okafor said that cultural norms, demanding work schedules and inadequate awareness continued to discourage many men from participating in antenatal visits and childcare activities.
A mother of two, Mrs Fatima Ibrahim, said her husband’s support throughout both pregnancies made a significant difference to her wellbeing and confidence.
“He attended antenatal appointments with me whenever he could, reminded me to take my medications and was there during delivery.
“His support reduced my fears and gave me confidence,” she said.
Similarly, Mr David John, a father of three, said many men wanted to be involved but lacked adequate information about their responsibilities during pregnancy and childbirth.
“I realised that being a good father starts before the baby is born. Going with my wife to the hospital helped me understand what she was going through and how I could support her better,” he said.
NAN reports that health experts have urged healthcare providers and community leaders to promote father-friendly health services and public awareness campaigns that encourage men to participate actively in maternal and child healthcare.
According to the experts, improving maternal and child health requires the commitment of both parents and would help reduce preventable maternal and child deaths across Nigeria.
