INTRODUCTION:
In many communities in northern nigeria women and adolescent girls do not access maternal and reproductive health services not because facilities are unavailable but because of fear misinformation gender norms and lack of trust in the health system. These barriers drive preventable maternal and adolescent health risks. Addressing them requires approaches that move beyond service availability to rebuilding trust and social acceptance of care.

METHODS:
Mama360 a community-led initiative implemented in Kano state worked through women volunteers adolescent peer educators and community influencers to bridge the gap between households and health facilities. The program prioritized home visits safe-space discussions and small group conversations focused on maternal health family planning prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV and gender-based violence. Community-generated referral pathways and follow-up support linked women and girls to services. Program monitoring data and field reports informed outcome assessment.

RESULTS:
The program engaged more than 5000 women and adolescent girls between 2024 and 2025. Women who previously avoided health facilities due to fear or stigma began accessing antenatal care family planning and referral services. Adolescents reported increased confidence to seek accurate health information and support. Community leaders’ involvement reduced resistance to maternal health discussions. Health workers reported improved continuity of care among referred clients.

CONCLUSIONS:
Shifting maternal and adolescent health interventions from facilities to trusted community spaces can overcome deeply rooted social barriers to care. Trust-centered community-led approaches are essential for advancing women’s health rights and improving maternal and adolescent health outcomes in settings where social norms rather than service availability limit access.