Nigeria is the most dangerous country in the world to give birth, with one woman dying every seven minutes, on average. According to the most recent UN estimates, one in 100 women die in labor or in the following days, resulting in 75,000 maternal deaths annually. This accounts for 29% of all maternal deaths worldwide.
Nafisa Salahu’s experience is a stark illustration of the challenges faced by women in Nigeria. At 24, she nearly lost her life during childbirth due to a doctors’ strike, which left her without expert help when complications emerged. Her baby’s head was stuck, and she was told to lie still during labor, which lasted three days. Eventually, a Caesarean was performed, but sadly, her baby did not survive. Eleven years later, Ms. Salahu has given birth several times in hospitals and has adopted a fatalistic attitude, saying, “I knew [each time] I was between life and death but I was no longer afraid.”
The causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria are multifaceted. Common causes include:
- Postpartum hemorrhage: bleeding after childbirth, which can be prevented with proper medical care
- Obstructed labor: prolonged labor due to complications, such as a baby’s head being stuck
- High blood pressure: a condition that can lead to complications during pregnancy and childbirth
- Unsafe abortions: procedures that can result in severe health complications or death
The country’s “very high” maternal mortality rate is attributed to several factors, including:
- Poor health infrastructure: inadequate facilities and equipment in hospitals and clinics
- Shortage of medics: insufficient number of healthcare professionals, including doctors and midwives
- Costly treatments: many women cannot afford necessary medical care
- Cultural practices: some women prefer traditional remedies over medical help, which can delay life-saving care
- Insecurity: lack of access to healthcare facilities due to safety concerns
Mabel Onwuemena, national coordinator of the Women of Purpose Development Foundation, emphasizes that “no woman deserves to die while birthing a child.” She notes that many women, especially in rural areas, distrust hospitals and instead opt for traditional remedies, which can delay critical care.
The Nigerian Government’s Response
The government has launched initiatives to address these challenges. Dr. Nana Sandah-Abubakar, director of community health services at the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), highlights the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (Mamii). This program aims to identify pregnant women, support them through pregnancy and childbirth, and link them to healthcare services. The initiative also seeks to work with local transport networks and encourage low-cost public health insurance.
While these efforts are welcome, experts believe more needs to be done, including increased investment. Martin Dohlsten from Unicef’s Nigeria office stresses that the success of these initiatives depends on sustained funding, effective implementation, and continuous monitoring.
The Way Forward
Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate can be improved with concerted efforts from the government, healthcare professionals, and communities. Increasing access to quality healthcare, improving health infrastructure, and promoting education on maternal health can help reduce maternal deaths. Ultimately, every woman deserves access to quality care during childbirth, and it is crucial that Nigeria works towards achieving this goal.