World Health Day on April 7, 2025, shines a spotlight on maternal mortality, a pressing global health crisis that affects millions of women around the world. The event, held annually to mark the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO), serves as a reminder to address urgent health challenges. This year’s theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” focuses on maternal and newborn health. It calls for an end to preventable deaths during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period, prioritizing women’s long-term health and well-being.
The Alarming Reality of Maternal Mortality in Nigeria
Childbirth should bring joy, but for too many women and people who give birth, it ends in tragedy. Maternal mortality, the death of an individual due to pregnancy or childbirth complications, remains a major health issue globally. WHO reports that nearly 800 individuals died daily from preventable causes in 2020. The majority of these deaths occur in low-income countries, with Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia being the hardest-hit regions. Nigeria, for example, has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world.
In 2020, Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate was 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. Women and pregnant people in Nigeria face a lifetime risk of 1 in 19 of dying from pregnancy-related complications. In contrast, those in developed countries face a much lower risk, at 1 in 4,900.
Causes of Maternal Deaths and the Need for Urgent Action
The leading causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria are preventable. Hypertension causes 27% of deaths, followed by sepsis (20.6%), hemorrhage (17%), and anemia (3.2%). These issues are treatable with proper care and early intervention. Unfortunately, many individuals, particularly women, lack access to timely care. Delays in seeking and receiving treatment worsen the situation. Women and pregnant individuals often experience three critical delays: deciding to seek care, reaching healthcare facilities, and receiving adequate treatment. These delays are aggravated by inadequate infrastructure, poverty, early marriage, and gender inequality.
Strategic Solutions: Improving Maternal Health Services
The Nigerian government has developed plans to improve maternal health. A major goal is increasing access to healthcare facilities. The government aims to establish one fully functional facility in each of the country’s 10,000 administrative wards. Additionally, states like Ondo have launched programs, such as the “Abiye” initiative, to increase access to skilled birth attendants and timely care for pregnant people.
However, many programs face challenges. These include poor coordination, inadequate funding, and lack of accountability. The shortage of skilled healthcare workers is particularly severe in rural areas. In addition, many healthcare facilities lack basic infrastructure, including reliable electricity and clean water, which hampers their ability to provide quality care.
Moving Forward: A Comprehensive Approach to Maternal Health
Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach. First, the government must strengthen the healthcare system, especially in rural areas. This includes ensuring that all pregnant people have access to regular antenatal checkups and early screenings for complications. It is also critical to train and deploy more skilled birth attendants, including midwives and nurses, to ensure safe deliveries.
Investing in healthcare infrastructure is equally important. Primary healthcare centers should be well-equipped to handle common pregnancy complications. These centers must be stocked with essential supplies, including medicines. Reliable electricity, clean water, and sanitation are also necessary for healthcare facilities to function properly.
Education and economic empowerment of women and people who give birth play a vital role in reducing maternal mortality. Educated individuals are more likely to seek medical care and make informed health decisions. Empowering women and pregnant people with the knowledge and resources to control their reproductive health will help reduce maternal deaths. It will also address gender inequalities that restrict access to healthcare.
Community engagement is another key factor in improving maternal health. Local leaders and community members should raise awareness about the importance of maternal healthcare and encourage people to seek medical care. By working closely with traditional leaders, we can overcome cultural barriers that prevent individuals from using healthcare services.
Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action
Maternal mortality in Nigeria is not only a health issue, it is a reflection of broader social and economic disparities. The Nigerian government must work closely with international organizations, NGOs, and the private sector to find long-term solutions. Tackling poverty, improving education, and providing women and pregnant people with resources to make informed health decisions will address many of the root causes of maternal deaths.
Ultimately, reversing maternal mortality trends requires political will, sustained investment, and a united effort from all sectors of society. Strengthening healthcare systems, improving access to quality care, and addressing social determinants of health will ensure that every individual, regardless of gender, has access to safe, dignified childbirth.
