Maternal Mortality In Nigeria

Maternal mortality has been on the increase in recent time with detrimental effects on the socioeconomic development of the nations. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 830 women die every day from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. More worrisome is the fact that 99% of all maternal deaths occur in developing countries. Jayesh Saini notes that even though maternal mortality is preventable, it has continued to increase in many nations of the world, especially in the African countries. He attributes this trend mainly to low and slow levels of socioeconomic development and in some cases lack of prioritization of the maternal health.

Nigeria, considered Africa’s most populous country, accounts for nearly 20% of all global maternal deaths. Notably the mortality ratios have had an impact on the development of Nigeria in terms of achieving social economic goals and the Millennium Development Goals. Jayesh Saini, recognizing the role the United Nations and WHO has played over time towards reduction of global maternal mortality ratios says that there is still much more to be done regarding mother and child healthcare in Nigeria.

Considering the current composition of the Nigerian population that consists mainly of young people, unless urgent intervention takes place, reproductive health will be at a catastrophic crisis due to the high birth rates. The high mortality and dependency ratio, has greatly been worsened by inadequate maternal education and care to mothers and the newborns, and the tough economic state of affairs amongst the people. This leaves the children and toddlers vulnerable, contending daily with survival. Caregivers and mothers also struggle to feed their large families hence the health aspect is the last thought in their minds. This has put the development of Nigeria as a nation at stake.

For the country to make a step towards achieving socioeconomic development that will in return lead to reduced mortality ratios, factors such as maternal healthcare should be prioritized, where all the expectant mothers are given all round access to care and maternal education (family planning, proper hygiene, childcare, sex education). Once this is taken care of, maternal deaths will be reduced. The mother and child health plays an important role in determining the socioeconomic development of a country, therefore a positive change in the same means a step in advancing towards socioeconomic success.

As the saying goes a healthy nation is a productive nation. Implementation of mother-child health friendly policies are key in making this a reality.