The Role of Islamic Women Groups in Health Promotion in Rural Communities in Niger State

This study examines the role of Islamic women groups in health promotion activities in rural communities in Niger State, North Central Nigeria. Formal health services in rural Niger State face persistent access and utilisation challenges, and Islamic women groups, which enjoy strong community trust and household-level reach, have emerged as important informal health promotion agents. The study employs a descriptive survey design, using questionnaires administered to 120 members of Islamic women groups and 30 community health workers across Bida, Kontagora, and Lavun local government areas. Focus group discussions were conducted with 40 rural women to supplement survey findings. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Findings indicate that Islamic women groups are actively involved in promoting maternal health, immunisation uptake, sanitation practices, and malnutrition prevention, but are constrained by limited health information, absence of formal health communication training, and inadequate resources. Groups that collaborate with primary healthcare centres show significantly broader health promotion impact. The study recommends formal partnerships between Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency and Islamic women groups, provision of accredited health promotion training for group leaders, and the development of health communication materials in Nupe and Hausa languages aligned with Islamic values. Keywords: Islamic women groups, health promotion, rural communities, Niger State, community health.