Khadija uses sign language to speak with Hauwa, who expressed her satisfaction with the services offered to her.
Life was incredibly difficult for Hauwa Amadu, a 23-year-old deaf woman living in the Yola North Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Nigeria. She had lost four of her six children and struggled to support her family by selling Fura da Nono – a popular Nigerian drink made from millet and milk. Each pregnancy brought more fear than hope. Her husband’s modest income barely met their needs, and without access to family planning, Hauwa felt stuck in a cycle of grief and poverty.
That changed when The Challenge Initiative (TCI) partnered with local health authorities in the region. During a targeted maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) outreach in Nyakore community, Khadija – a TCI-trained community mobilizer from Jambutu Primary Health Center – met Hauwa. With a deaf sister of her own, Khadija understood the importance of inclusive communication and used TCI’s strategies to engage with Hauwa meaningfully.
Khadija’s personal connection made all the difference.
I’m happy to reach all women, including those with disabilities.”
Through their conversations, Hauwa learned about the benefits of healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies. For the first time, she felt in control of her reproductive health. During the mobile outreach, she chose a long-acting contraceptive method – Jadelle – provided free of charge.
I have no issues with the Jadelle and am grateful for the free services.”
Hauwa’s story reflects a broader impact. With support from TCI, community mobilizers like Khadija are reaching more women across Adamawa State with lifesaving MNCH and family planning services. Between February and March 2025 alone, these efforts reached 1,293 women, referred 648 for care, and resulted in 528 women accepting services.
TCI’s approach is grounded in the Three Delays Model, which identifies the major contributors to pregnancy-related mortality: (1) delay in deciding to seek care; (2) delay in reaching a health facility; and (3) delay in receiving adequate care. By addressing these barriers, strengthening health systems, and equipping local providers, TCI is ensuring that more women – including those with disabilities – can access timely, quality care throughout the MNCH continuum, from pre-pregnancy to childbirth to early childhood.
