Championing Change: How Mallam Yakubu is Transforming Family Planning Uptake in Nigeria 

In the heart of Kebbi State, Nigeria, one leader is transforming challenges into opportunities for healthier families and stronger communities.

Tackling a Critical Challenge 

Before the project began, family planning in Jega faced significant hurdles. “We were confronted with the issue of women giving birth frequently without spacing their children,” Mallam Yakubu explained. 

 Without adequate knowledge of their options or access to family planning methods, many women in the community had pregnancies that were too closely spaced, affecting their health and the well-being of their children. 

Leading with Action and Advocacy 

Determined to change the narrative, Mallam Yakubu took bold steps as soon as the HIUD project commenced.  

“After attending the HIUD training in Birnin Kebbi, I led the facility staff to engage with our traditional leaders, district, and village heads. We discussed the benefits of HIUD as a family planning method and emphasized that it does not have the typical side effects that women usually experience,” he shared. 

The HIUD method has minimal side effects, which has made it a desirable option for many women in Nigeria.   

This strategic engagement with community leaders was crucial in breaking down misconceptions and myths around family planning and building trust in the community.  

“We were able to convince providers, women, and their families, through these community-level engagements,” he explained. 

The outcome was immediate and encouraging. The traditional leaders directed the facility staff to conduct outreach at the Islamic School for Women.  

“During the first outreach, we conducted about 30 HIUD procedures. After, the women who received the HIUD shared their positive experiences with their friends and family, sparking wider interest, and bringing more women to the clinic,” Mallam Yakubu recounted. 

Men as Allies in Family Planning 

Male involvement has been a pivotal part of the initiative’s success in Nigeria. Mallam Yakubu himself set a powerful example. He noted that he had discussed the HIUD method with his wife, and she was excited to try it. “She took up the HIUD method and has not encountered any side effects,” he noted. 

Furthermore, influential religious leaders, inspired by sensitization sessions held with the Islamic community, have also supported adoption of the HIUD method and are encouraging women to explore this option if they desire.  

Sustaining and Scaling the Impact 

Looking to the future, Mallam Yakubu is committed to ensuring the sustainability of these gains.  

“We are engaging with the First Lady of Kebbi State, as a key influencer, who can sponsor further outreaches in Jega. Our goal is to integrate HIUD sensitization sessions with other community-based outreach efforts and expand all family planning services in the Primary Health Centers. We are also partnering with the local Development and Advisory Health Committee so they can provide funding,” he explained. 

Mallam Yakubu Samaila’s leadership demonstrates the importance of community engagement, local partnerships, and building trust. His experience is a good example to other projects, by showcasing that change is possible, especially when women are allowed to choose and explore a family planning method that works for them.