By Adebowale Johnson
A non-governmental, non-profit and advocacy organisation based in the United States (US), Tilova For Africa (TFA), has decried the grim statistics regarding maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, lamenting that the country accounts for one of the highest maternal and child mortality rates in the world.
Disclosing that a National Demographic and Health Survey estimated that for every 100,000 live births, hundreds of mothers die, often from preventable causes, the group regretted that Nigeria has one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, where about one in 100 mothers dies from pregnancy-related causes, and nearly 30% of global maternal deaths occur in the country. Key causes include severe postpartum hemorrhage, sepsis and unsafe abortions.
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The factors contributing to this crisis, the group stated, are a poor healthcare system, lack of access to well-equipped facilities, upfront payment requirements and inadequate prenatal care, especially in conflict-affected regions like the North-East.
Other causes of death include complications from childbirth, infections and haemorrhage, which are exacerbated by delays in identifying emergencies, reaching facilities and receiving adequate care.
A statement by the co-founder of TFA, Mr. Martin Nwabueze, stated: “The other day, the death of a 32-year-old pregnant woman, Mrs. Ndiana Sunday Amos, and her newborn at the Ikot Ekpene General Hospital sparked outrage in Akwa Ibom State, prompting both the House of Assembly and Governor Umo Eno to launch separate investigations into alleged medical negligence.
“The tragedy drew widespread fury after a video posted online by the deceased’s sister showed her writhing in labour without adequate medical attention. The video quickly went viral, fuelling calls for accountability across the state.
“There are several other such cases across the country but because they are not reported, no one is talking about them. As someone put it, ‘when a mother dies during childbirth in a remote community, the tragedy often goes unrecorded or unreported. When a newborn passes away hours after delivery at home, the loss is quietly mourned within the family, but never enters official statistics. Such deaths fade into silence, leaving public health experts with little or no data to understand the true scale of maternal and child mortality in many villages across Nigeria.’
“While the health sector witnesses limited access to skilled providers, poor infrastructure, insufficient medical supplies and societal factors, government is throwing funds at vanity projects. Worse still, eminently qualified health care providers are relocating to other climes due to insecurity and dire working conditions in the country.
“Poverty, female illiteracy, poor nutrition, socioeconomic challenges and conflicts are also part of the problem.”
Nwabueze noted that there are consequences for high maternal and child mortality rate, including increased infant mortality, economic strain on families, disrupted education for surviving children who often take on caregiver roles, and a cycle of poverty that can perpetuate across generations. He added that it could also result in family fragmentation and emotional trauma for those left behind, as well as a burden on health systems to address the aftermath of preventable deaths.
The Tilova for Africa boss charged government to, as a matter of urgency, upgrade/equip infrastructure at primary health centres, train/improve welfare of health workers to strengthen the system and ensure sustainability. He also called for the provision of free delivery kits, antenatal medicines, supplements, mosquito nets, family planning materials, and vital drugs for mothers and newborns.
Nwabueze commended Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration in Plateau State for launching a “Mama Kit” initiative to distribute free delivery kits to pregnant women. The aim is to reduce maternal and infant mortality by promoting safe, hygienic births in healthcare facilities.
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