Championing Child Health in Madina
In Madina, mother-of-four Hassia leads by example, attending infant consultations and championing immunization. Her dedication inspires other parents to prioritize their children’s health.
At 35 years old, Hassia, a housewife by occupation, exemplifies commitment to the well-being of her five children, among whom she dreams of counting a doctor and other skilled professionals in her household. Aware of her responsibilities, Ms. Hassia stands out from other mothers in Madina, a neighborhood in the 3rd commune of Niamey, for her dedication to using maternal and child health services. She is well-regarded by service providers, health workers, and mobilizers alike.
As a model mother, she consistently brings her children for infant consultations, which she describes as follows: “At each visit, our children are weighed, measured, their growth is charted… We also receive advice on the benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, and other services such as vaccination.” Regarding the latter, Hassia testifies, “Vaccination makes an incomparable contribution to my children’s health… Compared to others, mine do not suffer from malnutrition.” She points out, “Thanks to the polio vaccination, for example, there are almost no new cases of disabilities caused by this disease anymore… Vaccination saves lives!”
In her commitment, Hassia can count on unwavering support from her husband. She says of him, “My husband takes a strong interest in our children’s vaccination… He often reminds me of their vaccination appointments and encourages me to visit the vaccination center.” In addition to the children’s father, mobilizers also play a crucial role in helping Hassia maintain her behaviors, whether at the health center or at home, during mass polio campaigns or at other times. She notes in this regard, “Mobilizers make us aware of the benefits of vaccinating children.”
Asked about any difficulties she faces in using vaccination services, Hassia states, “I face no difficulties… The staff are very welcoming, available, and treat us with respect.”
Concerned about the well-being of all the children in her community, Hassia issues an appeal, first to other mothers: “I invite my sisters to fulfill their duty…” and then to parents of children: “to watch over their children’s health.”
To the Government of Niger and its partners—particularly UNICEF—Hassia calls for continued availability of vaccines in health facilities. “Vaccine shortages can demotivate even committed mothers,” she says.
Photo: ©UNICEF Niger/ Niamey, March 2024/Haroune ABBA
Writing Team:
• Raissa Edwige Vanian, Chief of SBC Section
• ABBA Dan Dibi Haroune, SBC Specialist, Niamey
• Pie Roger Bofunga Lohandjola, Stop Team 54, UNICEF Niger
• Gabriela Maria Moreira Da Silva, Gender Programme Specialist
• ABDOU Ali, SBC Specialist, Niamey
• Mrs. Hammatou Fati Maiga, Communications Officer, DRSP/P/AS NY
• Mrs. Mamane Fati, Communications Officer, DRSP/P/AS NY
• Mrs. Amadou Halima Hamidou, Communications Officer DSNY III