Health, Health Briefs
Maternal Mortality in Nigeria
By Ejenike Augustine
Maternal mortality remains one of the most pressing health challenges in Nigeria, a nation with one of the highest maternal death rates in the world. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, a staggering statistic for a country striving for economic and social development. Every day, approximately 512 women die in Nigeria due to complications related to pregnancy and childbirth, leaving families shattered and communities burdened by the loss of mothers, daughters, and wives.
In April 2024, a tragic story reported by *The Guardian* highlighted the death of a Nigerian woman due to complications during childbirth, underscoring the persistent maternal health crisis. Despite being rushed to a healthcare facility, the woman succumbed because the clinic lacked essential medical supplies and skilled personnel. This heartbreaking incident exemplifies the daily reality faced by countless women in Nigeria, emphasizing the urgent need for systemic change.
The underlying causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria are multifaceted, ranging from systemic healthcare challenges to socio-economic and cultural barriers. Hemorrhage, infection, unsafe abortion, hypertensive disorders, and obstructed labour are among the leading medical causes. According to the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), a lack of access to skilled birth attendants and emergency obstetric care exacerbates these risks. In many rural areas, where healthcare facilities are sparse or poorly equipped, women must travel long distances to receive adequate care, often arriving too late to save their lives or their babies.
Socio-economic factors also play a significant role. Poverty, illiteracy, and gender inequality limit women’s access to healthcare services. Many Nigerian families cannot afford the cost of antenatal care, delivery services, or transportation to healthcare facilities. Cultural practices and beliefs further complicate the situation, with some communities prioritizing traditional birth practices over modern medical care. According to UNICEF, early marriage and adolescent pregnancies, which are prevalent in parts of Nigeria, significantly increase the risk of maternal complications and death.
The state of Nigeria’s healthcare system is another critical factor. Despite being Africa’s largest economy, Nigeria invests less than 5% of its GDP in healthcare, far below the 15% target set by the Abuja Declaration. This chronic underfunding has resulted in dilapidated facilities, inadequate medical supplies, and a severe shortage of skilled healthcare professionals. According to the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), the doctor-to-patient ratio in the country is far below the WHO’s recommended standard, leaving many pregnant women without access to timely and quality care.
Efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria have seen some progress but remain insufficient. Initiatives such as the National Health Act and programs led by international organizations like the WHO, UNICEF, and USAID aim to improve maternal health services and increase access to family planning. However, these efforts are often hampered by corruption, poor governance, and a lack of coordination among stakeholders. Additionally, insecurity in certain regions of the country has disrupted healthcare delivery, leaving vulnerable populations without essential services.
The human cost of maternal mortality cannot be overstated. For every woman who dies during childbirth, countless others suffer long-term complications such as obstetric fistula, chronic pain, or infertility. The loss of mothers has devastating consequences for families and communities, with children often left orphaned and families falling deeper into poverty. The psychological and social impacts ripple through generations, undermining Nigeria’s development potential.
Addressing maternal mortality in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and coordinated approach. The government must prioritize healthcare funding and strengthen policies to ensure access to quality maternal health services. Investments in healthcare infrastructure, training for skilled birth attendants, and the provision of essential supplies are critical. Public health campaigns should focus on educating communities about the importance of antenatal care and the risks of early marriage and adolescent pregnancies.
Furthermore, addressing socio-economic barriers is essential. Subsidizing healthcare costs for low-income families, improving transportation networks to rural areas, and empowering women through education and economic opportunities can significantly reduce maternal deaths. International partners and non-governmental organizations must also continue to support Nigeria in building a resilient healthcare system capable of meeting the needs of its population.
The tragedy of maternal mortality in Nigeria is a stark reminder of the work that remains to be done to achieve equitable healthcare for all. As the nation strives to meet the Sustainable Development Goal of reducing maternal mortality to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030, the focus must shift from rhetoric to action. Every woman’s life matters, and every death is a preventable tragedy. It is time for Nigeria to rise to the challenge and secure a future where no woman dies giving life.
14th January, 2025.
E.A
Tags: #HEALTHCARE
