Experts Call for Action Against Child Marriage in Nigeria

On International Women's Day, experts gathered in Yola, Adamawa State, to address the increasing rates of child marriage and early pregnancy, particularly in rural communities. Dr. Maisaratu Bakari from the Madibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital emphasized the urgent need for stringent measures to combat harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, which pose serious health risks.

She highlighted Nigeria's alarming maternal mortality rate of 993 deaths per 100,000 births, calling for collective action from stakeholders. Dr. Nuzrah Rafiqu from UNICEF reiterated the organization's commitment to working with the state government to improve health outcomes for women and children.

Dr. Bashir Saidu, the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, noted the importance of prioritizing women's and children's rights and urged stakeholders to address the barriers hindering their development. The event underscored the necessity of expanding reproductive health education and health insurance systems to ensure the well-being and rights of women and adolescents.