In northern Nigeria, there is a high maternal mortality rate, primarily due to several factors.
Many of these women in the north struggle to access proper healthcare, with insufficient medical facilities and doctors available.
According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Northern Nigerians are experiencing alarming death rates among women and children.
The Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Muyi Aina, says the country loses about 2,300 children under five daily.
Acoording to him, Nigeria also loses 145 women of childbearing age daily, with most of these deaths occurring in northern regions.
Aina shared this information at a two-day meeting in Abuja focused on vaccination, maternal, and child health.
The event was organised by the Sultan Foundation for Peace and Development, with support from NPHCDA, and gathered religious leaders from northern Nigeria.
The NPHCDA boss also warned of an ongoing health crisis, stating that Nigeria is facing widespread transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus Type 2 (cVPV2).
Transmission Of Polio Virus
“Every day, Nigeria loses about 2,300 under five years old children and 145 women of childbearing age.
“Most of these deaths are occurring in northern Nigeria.
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“Also, Nigeria is currently witnessing intense transmission of the circulating variant poliovirus Type 2, with a total of 70 cVPV2 from 46 LGAs across 14 Northern states.
“This is an indication of continuous transmission of the virus due to low routine immunisation, and refusal of vaccines during polio campaigns.
“This must change. We must ensure that every woman has access to antenatal care, that every pregnancy is delivered by trained and skilled midwives.
“Every child completes their routine immunisation according to the national schedule and also gets vaccinated every time vaccination teams visit their homes.”
High Maternal Mortality – The Must Dos
However, to address these challenges, Dr Aina has called for better access to antenatal care, trained midwives for every birth, and full immunisation for all children.
Improving healthcare access and education is essential for reducing maternal mortality rate and ensuring safer childbirth for women in the region.
Also, he urged religious leaders to advocate for healthcare access and build trust between communities and healthcare providers.