One of the goals of TAConnect is to support states to adopt, implement, and sustain improved Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health and Nutrition (RMNCH+N) outcomes across states in Nigeria. The G-ANC program is one of the models TAConnect is supporting the Kaduna state government to adopt in delivering Antenatal Care (ANC) service across 255 PHCs and 23 LGAs in the State.
Excited about Kaduna State introduction of the Group Antenatal Care (G-ANC) program currently implemented by one of TAConnect’s Technical Assistance Providers, Center for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), health workers in the state have lauded the initiative and pledged to improve service delivery and embrace a positive attitude towards pregnant women.
The G-ANC model is a proven health systems innovation that was first implemented in high income countries and is currently applied in Low-and-Medium-Income Countries to improve the use and quality of ANC among underserved populations.
While Antenatal Care (ANC) conventionally takes the form of a one-on-one consultation between a pregnant woman and her healthcare provider, G-ANC integrates the usual individual pregnancy health assessment with tailored group educational activities and peer support, with the aim of motivating behavioral change among pregnant women, therefore improving pregnancy outcomes, and increasing women’s satisfaction. The intervention typically involves self-assessment activities (e.g., blood pressure measurement) and group education with facilitated discussions, for pregnant women to socialize and support each other through their pregnancies.
Rigasa Local Government Area in Kaduna State is one of the LGAs where the G-ANC program is currently being implemented with notable changes in the attitude of health workers in across Primary Health Centers
A health worker in Maiyetti Allah Primary Healthcare Center, Rigasa, Kaduna, Patricia Peter, described some of the testimonies and positive attitude of her colleagues that participated in a G-ANC training program organized by Kaduna State PHC Board with TA support from TAConnect through CIHP on how to care for pregnant women who visit PHC facilities.
According to Peter, “exhibiting a positive attitude as a healthcare worker is a good sign that encourages pregnant women to return for a safe delivery in the facility.”
“More pregnant women in the Rigasa community have heard about G-ANC and now want to be part of it. Even those who were not interested want to be part of it. The women are happy with our work, and this has motivated us to improve our attitude in caring about their health needs,” Peter stated.
Another health worker, Fatima Rabiu, also described that the G-ANC program as a genuine initiative that motivates pregnant women to come for antenatal. “They look forward to it and they turn out in large numbers.”
“Before the introduction of the G-ANC program, pregnant women, who visit PHC facilities only get booked for appointments and many don’t come back until their due date. However, things have changed, and many women now visit the health facilities regularly,” Rabiu added.
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“More pregnant women in the Rigasa community have heard about G-ANC and now want to be part of it. Even those who were not interested want to be part of it. The women are happy with our work, and this has motivated us to improve our attitude in caring about their health needs.”
