By Emmanuel Kwada
According to BBC reports and WHO data, Nigeria is currently the world’s most dangerous country to give birth, with one woman dying every seven minutes due to childbirth-related complications, showing that Nigeria tops the chart of the deadliest country to give birth.
This alarming statistic translates to an estimated 75,000 maternal deaths annually, accounting for 29% of global maternal deaths. The country’s maternal mortality rate is 993 deaths per 100,000 live births, a staggering figure that highlights the dire need for improved healthcare.
The story of Nafisa Salahu, a 24-year-old woman from Kano state, serves as a heartbreaking example of the challenges many women face in Nigeria. During a doctors’ strike, Ms. Salahu was in labor for three days without expert help, and her baby’s head was stuck.
75,000 maternal deaths annually, accounting for 29% of global maternal deaths
A Caesarean section was eventually performed, but tragically, her baby did not survive. Ms. Salahu’s experience is not unique, and many women in Nigeria face similar challenges due to poor healthcare infrastructure, a shortage of medical professionals, and cultural practices that lead to distrust of medical professionals.
The main causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria are preventable and include postpartum hemorrhage, obstructed labor, high blood pressure, and unsafe abortions. Many women, especially in rural areas, prefer traditional remedies over medical help, which can delay life-saving care.
Additionally, healthcare facilities often lack basic equipment, supplies, and trained personnel, making it difficult to provide quality services.
The Nigerian government has launched initiatives to address this issue, including the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (Mamii). This program aims to identify pregnant women, provide them with necessary care, and link them to services to ensure safe delivery.
However, experts believe that more needs to be done, including increased investment in healthcare and addressing the shortage of medical professionals.
Healthcare facilities often lack basic equipment, supplies, and trained personnel, making it difficult to provide quality services
The shortage of healthcare workers, including midwives and doctors, is a significant challenge in Nigeria. The country needs approximately 700,000 more nurses and midwives to meet the World Health Organization’s recommended ratio.
Many women are forced to rely on traditional birth attendants or home births due to the lack of access to skilled healthcare professionals.
Some women, like Jamila Ishaq, are hesitant to seek medical help due to concerns about negligence, especially in public hospitals. Ms. Ishaq recounts her experience of having complications during labor, only to find that no healthcare worker was available to assist her at the hospital.
In contrast, women like Chinwendu Obiejesi, who can afford private healthcare, have better outcomes. Ms. Obiejesi emphasizes the importance of antenatal care and having access to quality healthcare services.
The Nigerian government acknowledges the dire situation and is working to address some of the issues. Dr. Nana Sandah-Abubakar, director of community health services at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, highlights the launch of the Mamii initiative, which aims to support pregnant women through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.
While it is too early to determine the impact of this initiative, the authorities hope that it will help reduce maternal mortality rates in the country.
Globally, maternal deaths have dropped by 40% since 2000, thanks to expanded access to healthcare. However, Nigeria’s progress has been limited, with a reduction of only 13% over the same period
Globally, maternal deaths have dropped by 40% since 2000, thanks to expanded access to healthcare. However, Nigeria’s progress has been limited, with a reduction of only 13% over the same period. Experts believe that sustained funding, effective implementation, and continuous monitoring are crucial to achieving meaningful outcomes and reducing maternal mortality rates in Nigeria.
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