At the Badore Primary Healthcare Centre in Eti Osa Local Government, Lagos State, the sight of men accompanying their children for immunisation is becoming more common. Mr. Victor Falaitar, a yoga coach and massage therapist, stood among mothers in the queue, holding his newborn baby for the BCG vaccine. His wife, still recuperating from childbirth, remained in the lying ward of the healthcare centre. Falaitar, fully involved in the process, expressed joy at his son’s birth and highlighted the importance of fathers participating in their children's health from the very start.
Similarly, Mr. Emmanuel Uchenna, a footwear dealer, attended the clinic with his two sons. For Uchenna, this is not a new experience. He stressed that men should actively participate in immunising their children, not only to support their wives but to better understand the health process and their role in it.
These men reflect a broader shift in societal norms regarding reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health in Nigeria. Traditionally, men’s roles in these areas have been limited, largely due to cultural and socio-economic factors. However, increased involvement of fathers is now seen as a promising strategy to improve vaccination coverage, protect children from preventable diseases, and ensure the well-being of mothers and families.
Men play a critical role as decision makers in Nigerian households, influencing their partners’ access to reproductive health services. When fathers are more involved in maternal and child health, it increases the likelihood of families adhering to vaccination schedules, attending antenatal care, and maintaining healthier lifestyles.
Currently, Nigeria has around 2.3 million children who have not received any vaccines, leaving them vulnerable to life-threatening infections like polio, measles, and hepatitis. Celine Lafoucriere, UNICEF’s Chief for Southwest Nigeria, emphasized the importance of addressing these gaps in immunisation, particularly in marginalised and hard to reach areas. Vaccines are crucial not just for individual health but for community immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated.
While efforts to improve immunisation services are ongoing, there are still barriers that must be addressed, including cultural myths, misinformation about vaccines, and reluctance among parents to follow immunisation schedules. Chief Nursing Officer Chinyere Osunlana at the Badore PHC Centre noted that while vaccines are always available, some parents remain hesitant, putting their children at risk.
In response to the gaps in vaccination coverage, the Lagos State government has implemented several interventions, such as mobile vaccination teams and outreach efforts to reach underserved populations. Dr. Adebayo Adeniji, Assistant Immunisation Programme Officer at the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, explained that community-based health workers and vaccination trackers are being deployed to improve access and ensure no child is left unvaccinated.
However, for these efforts to succeed, public engagement is crucial. Advocacy, communication, and social mobilisation teams work to educate communities about the benefits of immunisation and the need for equitable access to heart service.
One of the most impactful changes in maternal and child health is the growing involvement of men in the healthcare journey. As highlighted by Dr. Adeniji, this shift is not only about supporting mothers but about creating healthier families. Fathers, often the primary decision makers, need to be informed and involved in health decisions from the beginning.
A notable development is the introduction of group antenatal care for fathers, allowing them to participate in discussions about their partner’s health, learn from other men’s experiences, and understand the challenges mothers face. This initiative encourages fathers to take a proactive role in family care, including the well being of their unborn children.
While this change in gender norms is still in its early stages, there is a growing recognition that men’s involvement is essential in reducing the high burden of maternal and child deaths in Nigeria. Dr. Adeniji pointed out that many life saving health decisions cannot afford to wait for delays or misunderstandings, and involving men early in the process helps them appreciate the urgency and importance of these decisions.
For this strategy to succeed, reproductive, maternal, newborn, and child health services need to be accessible at times and on days when men can attend. Offering services during weekends or evening hours would allow more fathers to participate in healthcare appointments. Designing health services with men in mind will further encourage their involvement and help dismantle the notion that health care is solely a woman’s responsibility.
The increasing involvement of men in maternal and child health in Nigeria represents a positive shift in gender norms that can lead to healthier families and communities. By actively participating in immunisation and antenatal care, fathers like Mr. Falaitar and Mr. Uchenna are helping to ensure that their children grow up protected from preventable diseases, while also supporting the health and well-being of their partners.
As Nigeria continues to tackle its immunisation gaps, the inclusion of men in health discussions and decision-making will be vital. This collective approach, where both parents are engaged, offers a promising path towards improved maternal and child health outcomes across the country.