Islamic Opinion Leaders: Building Capacity for Maternal, Neonatal and Child Health in Northern Nigeria

We propose to further empower Islamic scholars to enlighten health providers at service delivery points in 5 resistant communities with low uptake on the correct Islamic precepts on MNCH. This project will contribute to improved health seeking behaviors of men and women of reproductive age; increased uptake of services in primary health facilities; improved capacity of health providers to counter negative perceptions of modern MNCH services; improved immunization coverage; improved uptake of modern family planning methods of the 5 communities. The standard practice amongst development partners in Nigeria is that Islamic Opinion Leaders are engaged in MNCH projects in demand creation role narrowly restricted to changing the opinion, behavior and practices of community members in the Ummah.