Abigael Kuponiyi: How a Kano health educator is transforming maternal and child care

A growing movement in maternal and child health education is taking shape across Kano State, driven by the commitment of health educator and public health advocate Abigael Kuponiyi.

Her work in antenatal and postnatal clinics has positioned her as one of the most influential voices in community health, empowering mothers with practical knowledge that supports safer pregnancies, healthier infants, and stronger families.

Across local health facilities, hundreds of women gather each week to attend Abigael’s sessions. These gatherings have become a reliable space for guidance, reassurance, and clarity on issues that directly affect maternal and child well-being.

She covers topics such as breastfeeding, infant feeding, hygiene, and early childhood development, presenting them in easy-to-understand, simple-to-apply ways. Abigael believes that informed mothers form the backbone of a healthy society.

Her mission is to ensure that every woman, regardless of education or income, understands how early decisions shape children's long-term outcomes. Through health talks and community sensitisation campaigns, she has helped women appreciate the role of stimulation, responsive care, play, and communication in developing a child’s cognitive and emotional capacity.

One of her most notable interventions is her advocacy for exclusive breastfeeding. In many communities, misinformation around infant nutrition remains widespread, but her structured awareness sessions are helping to break down myths and promote trust in breast milk as the best nutrition for babies.

She emphasises its protective qualities, noting that it offers immunity support and contributes to healthier growth. Her efforts extend to fathers and caregivers, encouraging them to create supportive environments for breastfeeding mothers. These initiatives are beginning to shift behaviour.

Health workers across Kano report that more mothers now practise exclusive breastfeeding for the recommended first six months, and continue breastfeeding for up to 2 years. Many clinics are adopting practices that reinforce her teachings, creating consistency in how families receive information.

Abigael has also redefined the structure of health education in clinics. She has introduced learning modules that offer expectant and new mothers clear information on nutrition during pregnancy, hygiene, immunisation, mental health, and postnatal care.

Her sessions also take on sensitive issues such as postpartum depression, maternal self-care, and family planning, creating a safe setting for women who often lack platforms for open conversation.

These efforts are paying off. Several communities report higher attendance at antenatal appointments, better adherence to immunisation schedules, and a decline in preventable childhood illnesses.

Visual aids, storytelling, and demonstrations form part of Abigael’s approach, helping her connect with women from different cultural and educational backgrounds. Her work extends beyond the clinics. She leads outreach programmes in markets, schools, and religious centres, stressing that maternal and child health is a collective responsibility.

Her grassroots initiatives support Nigeria’s national strategy to reduce maternal and infant mortality and improve early childhood development. Abigael’s dedication has made her a role model for emerging health professionals.

Her work shows that meaningful health reform begins with education and community-level engagement. Through persistence and compassion, she continues to inspire a new generation of health advocates and shape healthier futures for families across Kano State.