The United Nations Women (UN Women) has raised concerns over the poor level of male involvement in maternal and child healthcare services in Nigeria, revealing that only 3.4 per cent of men accompany their spouses to antenatal and postnatal clinic visits.
The Country Representative of UN Women to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms Beatrice Eyong, disclosed this during a two-day social norms training for traditional, religious and community leaders on promoting male engagement in support of antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC) and prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) in Nigeria, held in Makurdi, Benue State.
Eyong, who was represented by the Acting Deputy Representative, UN Women, Mrs Patience Ekeoba, said findings from recent UN Women research showed that male participation in maternal healthcare remains critically low.
According to her, evidence from the study shows that while overall male partner involvement stood at only 13.8 per cent, only 3.3 per cent of men attend more than two antenatal visits with their spouses, just as the average male involvement index was placed at 19.8 per cent.
She described the statistics as worrisome, noting that the absence of men in maternal and child healthcare support systems has continued to affect the wellbeing of women and children across communities.
Eyong said the research recently conducted by UN Women shows that “Physical presence and active participation of men remain critically low. Evidence shows only 3.4% of men attend clinic visits with spouse; male partner overall involvement is 13.8%; only 3.3% attend more than two visits; average Male Involvement Index is 19.8%.”
She stressed that harmful cultural beliefs, gender norms, stigma, misinformation and lack of family support have continued to hinder effective uptake of maternal healthcare and PMTCT services.
According to her, many pregnant women still begin antenatal care late, while others deliver outside health facilities or fail to access essential postnatal care services, adding that these challenges contribute significantly to maternal and infant illnesses, preventable deaths, as well as new HIV infections among children, with Nigeria ranking high.
She therefore expressed optimism that traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders could help reverse the trend through positive social influence and advocacy, noting that community leaders occupy strategic positions that enable them to shape attitudes and behaviours within families and communities.
“When traditional rulers encourage families to support pregnant women, when religious leaders use their platforms to promote healthy practices, and when community leaders champion inclusion and male involvement, communities become safer and healthier for mothers and children,” she said.
Eyong explained that the training was designed to strengthen the capacity of participants as agents of change capable of promoting positive social norms and encouraging meaningful male involvement in maternal and child healthcare.
