Written by: Bernard Otu Assim-Ita
Did You Know?
Education as a Vaccine (EVA), in partnership with Girl Effect, recently launched a project titled: “Strengthening Access to SRHR Services and Increasing Contraceptive Uptake Among Married Couples in Kaduna State.” This initiative seeks to empower young married couples between the ages 18-24 with the confidence, knowledge, and tools they need to make informed decisions about their reproductive health.
In communities across Kaduna, Narayi, Television, Sabon Gari and Maraban Rido, young couples like Halima and Abdullahi often find themselves navigating family planning in silence, surrounded by myths and societal pressures. Halim
a, a 22-year-old mother of two, shared, “I wanted to space our children, but I didn’t know how to talk about it with my husband. The only advice I got was from older women, and even they weren’t sure.” Abdullahi, her husband, admitted, “There’s so much we hear about contraceptives, and most of it makes you hesitate. Who do you trust?”
These voices reflect a larger challenge. According to the 2023-24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), only 14.2% of married women in Kaduna State use any form of contraception. Cultural norms, gender expectations, and limited access to accurate information have perpetuated low uptake, leaving many young couples without the support they need to plan their futures.
This is where EVA and Girl Effect step in, blending grassroots advocacy with digital innovation. At the center of this initiative is the Analogue Champions App, a unique approach designed to bridge the gap between traditional beliefs and technology. Through this approach, 20 trained community champions will lead discussions that not only dispel myths and misconceptions but also foster trust and open communication among couples aged 18 and 24.
As part of the inception phase of the project, we have trained 20 passionate young people, 10 female health workers and 10 male advocates who will be commissioned to become community champions and inspire change one conversation at a time. 
Photo Memories from the training of Champions
The training hall buzzed with energy and purpose. Laughter and earnest exchanges filled the room as champions shared their own stories and prepared to step into their roles. From role-playing sessions that mimicked real-life scenarios to hands-on practice with the Analogue Champions App, the training was as interactive as it was empowering.
Aisha Ibrahim, a health worker from Zaria, reflected on her motivation: “Every day, I see women who want to take charge of their health but don’t know how. This training has given me the tools to guide them.” Similarly, Musa Abdullahi, a teacher, emphasized the importance of engaging men in the conversation. “For too long, childbirth spacing has been seen as a woman’s issue. It’s time for men to take responsibility too,” he said.
The champions’ training sessions painted vivid pictures of the lives they aim to impact. Imagine Fatima, a young mother who walks miles to access healthcare but hesitates to ask for contraceptive advice due to fear of judgment and stigma. Picture Ibrahim, a husband eager to support his wife but unsure where to begin. These stories, though illustrative, echo the experiences of countless young couples in Kaduna. By addressing their concerns and providing culturally sensitive guidance, the champions aim to turn hesitation into empowerment.
This project isn’t just about providing information—it’s about fostering behavioral change at every level of society. Champions will host 6 interactive sessions over the next three months, creating safe spaces where couples can openly discuss their concerns and aspirations. Local health facilities are also collaborating to ensure contraceptive services are readily accessible and stigma-free.
Recognizing the influence of culture and religion, the project involves traditional and religious leaders, leveraging their influence to advocate for child birth spacing and support for SRHR discussions in their communities. These leaders, often seen as custodians of values, play a vital role in normalizing conversations that were once taboo.
For Halima and Abdullahi—and the hundreds of couples this project hopes to reach—change is on the horizon. Through the dedication of champions like Aisha and Musa, and the collaboration between EVA and Girl Effect, the goal is not just to increase contraceptive uptake but to inspire a shift in mindset and promote behavioral change —one that celebrates informed choices and shared decision-making.
Stay tuned for more updates!
Education as a Vaccine (EVA)