Exploring the role of Ward Development Committee on strengthening ASRH programming: A case of A360 MMA Key Influencer Engagement strategy in Northern Nigeria.

Muhammad Kabir, Society for Family Health, Abuja, Nigeria.
Alhassan Bulama, Society for Family Health
Mary Phillips, Population Services International
Roselyn Odeh, Society for Family Health, Nigeria

Introduction: The Ward Development Committee (WDC) is a social strategy aimed at improving community participation and access to primary healthcare in Nigeria. Gender norms limiting adolescent girls' autonomy in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) decisions hinder contraceptive access. WDCs offer a sustainable, low-cost way to engage key influencers like husbands and mothers-in-law. This study assessed the role of WDCs in improving SRH access for married adolescent girls aged 15-19. Methodology: A cross-sectional study using mixed methods. Structured surveys were conducted with 120 WDC members from both an intervention LGA (Ringim) and a control LGA (Birnin Kudu). Data were analysed using SPSS and Chi-square tests. Qualitative insights were gathered from 4 FGDs with WDC members and 8 IDIs with husbands. Results: In the intervention group, 72% of WDC members supported adolescent girls discussing childbirth spacing with their partners, compared to 51% in the control (p = 0.0926). Additionally, 60% of the intervention group supported providing SRH information, compared to 47% in the control (p < 0.05). Qualitative data showed that male engagement shifted husbands' perspectives positively. Conclusion: Male engagement contents infused into WDCs significantly improved support for adolescent girls' SRH discussions and information access, positively influencing societal norms and partner support.

Keywords: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, Families, Unions and Households, Mixed methods research, Children, Adolescents, and Youth

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