How Nigeria is responding to Maternal and Child Health

Nigeria : Nigeria Marks World Health Day with Call to Action on Maternal and Child Health
As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate World Health Day, health professionals are urging stronger policy implementation and awareness campaigns to reduce newborn deaths and improve maternal healthcare

The country faces significant challenges, with 41 deaths per 1,000 live births, largely due to preventable causes like birth asphyxia, sepsis, and preterm birth complications.

Key Challenges
– Poor Funding: Inadequate healthcare infrastructure and deep-rooted socio-cultural barriers hinder child survival, particularly in rural areas.
– Limited Access to Care: Many women avoid seeking medical attention due to discomfort with male healthcare workers or lack of trust in the healthcare system.
– Healthcare Worker Shortage: A shortage of skilled birth attendants and weak referral systems contribute to maternal and newborn mortality.

Government Initiatives
– Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII): Launched in November 2024, providing free caesarean sections for vulnerable women nationwide.
– Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) Project: Allocating N1.5 trillion to enhance healthcare services, ensuring mothers and children are not excluded due to geography or poverty.
– Training Healthcare Workers: Nationwide to train healthcare workers, especially in rural areas, to provide timely and quality care.

Progress and Expectations
– Improved Vaccination Uptake: Efforts to reach zero-dose children have resulted in 87% coverage in underserved wards.
– New Health Facilities: 842 new facilities completed, with 3,000 more under construction across the country.
– Growing Public Expectation: The public expects federal, state, and local governments to address perennial maternal and newborn health challenges.

By Taiwo Olatinwo/April 7, 2025