NURHI distributes handbooks on child spacing to Imams, pastors in Kaduna

From Mohammad Ibrahim, Kaduna

Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative NURHI has distributed Christian and Islamic perspective handbooks on child spacing to Imams and Pastors in Kaduna State.
The handbooks written by respected scholars from both religions gives detailed explanation of child spacing as stated in both Quran and Bible.
Speaking at the occasion, Representative of Kaduna Interfaith Farum, Imam Kabir Kasim said religious leaders rejected the idea for child spacing due to ignorance.
According to him, religious leaders were poorly engaged to sensitize the public on the need for child spacing.
“ When the issue of HIV/Aids came up and we were invited for a meeting to discuss the need for people to use condoms. I remember then we all walked out of the meeting saying it was Haram. But subsequently after we were sensitized we later understood its importance.
“ So I think religious leaders need to be engaged more on this issue of child spacing because they are influential and respected members in their communities. They are in better position to confront all the myths attributed to the issue, “ he said.
He explained further that Quran and Bible talked about child spacing as captured in the handbook.
Imam kasim said if religious leaders have enough information they will be able to save the humanity.
In his Remarks on Christian perspective on child spacing, Reverend Isaac Gbadero said at the beginning they also kicked against it but after more enlightenment they later understood the issue.
“ The handbook will surely assist religious clerics to spread the gospel of child spacing in their communities, “ he said.
Director Primary Health Care in the Ministry of Health Kaduna, Dr Iliyasu Niyu charged the clerics to continue with the child spacing advocacy in their communities.
He commanded NURHI for a good job and for fight against maternal mortality in the state through child spacing advocacy.