Assessment of the roles of community health workers in promoting family planning utilisation in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

This study examines the roles of Community Health Workers in family planning service delivery in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria. Family planning is an essential component of reproductive healthcare that contributes to the prevention of unintended pregnancies, reduction of maternal and child mortality, and promotion of healthy birth spacing. Despite the importance of family planning, the utilisation of modern contraceptive methods remains relatively low in many Nigerian communities due to inadequate awareness, misconceptions, cultural and religious beliefs, gender-related barriers and limited access to healthcare services. Community Health Workers play an important role in addressing these challenges through health education and awareness creation, family planning counselling, community mobilisation and participation, referral services, follow-up support and correction of misconceptions about contraceptive methods. The study also examines the factors affecting the performance of Community Health Workers, including inadequate training, poor remuneration, insufficient logistics, shortage of contraceptive commodities and inadequate supervisory support. Furthermore, it highlights strategies for improving their effectiveness through regular training, provision of essential resources, involvement of traditional and religious leaders, male participation, improved supervision and strengthened referral systems. The study concludes that Community Health Workers are essential in improving access to family planning information and services, particularly in communities where sociocultural and economic factors influence reproductive health decisions. It recommends that the Kano State Government and relevant healthcare authorities strengthen community-based family planning programmes by improving the capacity, motivation and institutional support available to Community Health Workers. Such interventions will contribute to increased awareness, informed contraceptive choices and improved maternal and child health outcomes in Kano Metropolis.