Maternal health is a critical issue that affects the very fabric of society, yet it remains a challenging area of public health in Nigeria. Despite advancements in medical technology and knowledge, the country continues to grapple with high rates of maternal mortality. In Nigeria, the journey to motherhood is fraught with risks, and ensuring safe pregnancies is not just a health imperative but a moral one. 

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This blog post aims to shed light on the current state of maternal health in Nigeria, explore the barriers to safe childbirth, and propose actionable strategies to safeguard the lives of mothers and their unborn children. As we delve into this topic, we must remember that every mother’s life is precious, and no effort is too great to ensure their safety and well-being.

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Understanding the Current State of Maternal Health in Nigeria

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In Nigeria, the state of maternal health is a pressing concern that demands immediate attention. The country, with its vibrant population, faces a grim reality: a maternal mortality ratio alarmingly high at over 800 deaths per 100,000 live births.

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This staggering figure is a stark reminder of the inequities in healthcare access and the urgent need for systemic change. The lifetime risk of a Nigerian woman dying during pregnancy, childbirth, or postpartum/post-abortion is 1 in 22, compared to 1 in 4900 in the most developed countries. 

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These statistics not only highlight the health disparities but also underscore the three forms of delays that hinder maternal healthcare: the delay in deciding to seek care, the delay in reaching a health facility, and the delay in receiving adequate care upon arrival. Addressing these delays is crucial for improving maternal health outcomes and ensuring that every mother in Nigeria has the chance for a safe pregnancy and childbirth.

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Barriers to Safe Pregnancy and Childbirth

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The journey to motherhood in Nigeria is beset with numerous barriers that compromise the safety of pregnancies and childbirth. A significant challenge is the lack of prenatal care, with more than 40% of women not receiving attention from trained healthcare providers. This deficiency in care is exacerbated by high-risk births due to factors such as the mother’s age, parity, or spacing of births.

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 Furthermore, the proportion of women receiving healthcare from a trained provider at delivery is dismally low, standing at 37% as of 2003. These barriers are not merely statistics; they represent real women whose lives and well-being are at risk. To surmount these obstacles, a multifaceted approach is required, one that addresses the socio-economic and cultural factors that hinder access to quality maternal healthcare.

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Strategies for Improvement

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Improving maternal health in Nigeria requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses both the availability and quality of care. To combat the high maternal mortality rates, it is essential to enhance access to skilled birth attendance, particularly through better quality primary health care (PHC) services. With approximately 34,000 PHCs serving as entry points across health wards and hard-to-reach communities, bolstering these facilities’ accessibility, availability, affordability, and care quality could significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. 

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Additionally, improving the quality of care within tertiary health facilities is crucial, as the lack of quality services contributes to the high maternal death rates. The World Health Organization also emphasizes the need to address inequalities in health service access, ensuring that women, regardless of their socio-economic status, receive timely and adequate care from skilled personnel. By focusing on these strategies, Nigeria can make strides towards safeguarding the lives of mothers and their children.

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The Role of Government and Policy Makers

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The role of government and policymakers is pivotal in shaping the landscape of maternal health in Nigeria. Effective policies can serve as catalysts for change, driving improvements in healthcare systems and outcomes. In Nigeria, where maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world, the need for robust health policies cannot be overstated. Policymakers must prioritize maternal health and allocate sufficient resources to ensure that women have access to quality care throughout their pregnancies.

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Conclusion

In conclusion, maternal health in Nigeria is a complex issue that requires the collective effort of individuals, communities, and the government. The high maternal mortality rate is not just a statistic; it represents the lives of countless women who face preventable risks during pregnancy and childbirth. 

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Want to talk to a professional about your pregnancy plans? Reach out to Debbo Africa. We are a team of women-only medical professionals, and we are poised to provide you with the best healthcare possible.

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Sources

• https://www.who.int/news/item/25-06-2019-maternal-health-in-nigeria-generating-information-for-action
• https://www.joghr.org/article/12733-reducing-maternal-mortality-in-nigeria-addressing-maternal-health-services-perception-and-experience
• https://www.joghr.org/article/12733-reducing-maternal-mortality-in-nigeria-addressing-maternal-health-services-perception-and-experience
• https://www.guttmacher.org/sites/default/files/report_pdf/motherhoodnigeria.pdf

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