Ending maternal mortality: A call to action for Africa and why Nigeria must lead!

Alarmingly high numbers coming out of Africa, particularly Nigeria, heightens the issue of Maternal mortality as a pressing global concern. Among African nations, Nigeria tragically stands out as the country with the highest maternal mortality rates. This article aims to shed light on the urgency of the issue and inspire actions to address this heart-breaking phenomenon. Think about this, a woman dies every two minutes while giving birth.

Just a few days ago, as world leaders gathered in New York at the UN General Assembly, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation launched its 2023 Goalkeepers Report, which focuses on accelerating progress towards attaining the SDGs, with a focus on Goals 1-6. This year, the Goalkeepers Report is focused on maternal mortality – SDG 3.1. it highlights this crisis, asserts that eight years on the world is off track in fact, progress is stalled or regressing. According to the report, every death of a mother during childbirth reduces the chances of the baby surviving to their first birthday by 37%. This ugly situation occurs 800 times a day across the world.

Understanding the Crisis

Maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of delivery. It is a multi-faceted problem influenced by various factors such as inadequate healthcare infrastructure, poverty, limited access to quality prenatal and postnatal care, lack of professionalism, ill-equipped personnel, cultural barriers, and gender inequalities.

The Situation in Nigeria

In Nigeria, the statistics are startling. According to recent reports, Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, with over 59,000 women dying each year due to childbirth complications. Nigeria and India contribute 34% to the global maternal mortality rates. In 2008, Nigeria’s rate was 14%, latest reports put the rate at 20%. The current global maternal mortality average is 211 per 100000, Nigeria’s average is 800 per 100000 (four times the global average), while SDG target by 2030 is 70 deaths per 100000 live births. Nigeria’s situation is disastrous, states in the North East and North West of the country have between 1270 – 1600 per 100000. A number of reasons such as insecurity, lack of education, socio cultural barriers among others are responsible for these high numbers. Every day, Nigerian women in hundreds lose their lives, from preventable causes while bringing forth new life. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent the mothers, daughters, sisters, and friends within our communities.

The Call to Action

The time for action is now. We must join hands to address the root causes of maternal mortality and work towards creating a safer and healthier environment for mothers across Africa and Nigeria must take the lead. Here are some key steps that can help make a difference:

1. Strengthen Healthcare Infrastructure: Adequate healthcare facilities, including well-equipped clinics and skilled medical professionals, are crucial in preventing maternal deaths. Governments and stakeholders must invest in improving healthcare infrastructure to ensure accessible and quality maternal healthcare services.

2. Promote Education and Empowerment: Educational programs that focus on women’s health, family planning, and reproductive rights play a pivotal role in reducing maternal mortality. By empowering women with knowledge and resources, we can enable them to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and seek timely medical care.

3. Enhance Prenatal and Postnatal Care: Early and comprehensive prenatal care is vital in identifying and managing potential complications during pregnancy. It is equally important to provide adequate postnatal care to mothers, ensuring their well-being and early detection of any postpartum complications.

4. Eradicate Stigma and Cultural Barriers: Deep-rooted cultural norms and stigmas surrounding childbirth often hinder access to healthcare services. We must challenge and dismantle these barriers, promoting a supportive and inclusive environment that encourages women to seek timely and appropriate care without fear of judgment or discrimination.

Conclusion

We cannot stand idly by while countless mothers lose their lives due to preventable causes. Christy Turlington former model and Founder of Every Mother Counts, has been rallying efforts in this direction for a while, as she puts it “I know that I cannot solve all the maternal health challenges in the world by myself. I need and want others to join me”. Let us rally together, raise awareness, and demand change. Governments, international organizations, healthcare providers, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in ending maternal mortality in Africa, with Nigeria leading the way. By prioritizing maternal healthcare, investing in resources and education, and breaking down barriers, we can create a future where every mother has the chance to see her child grow and thrive. It is time to take action and ensure that motherhood is a joyful and safe experience for all.

Ideozu is the Founder/Executive Director of Seconds for Good (S4G). She birthed S4G as a way to give back, having survived two among the top causes of maternal mortality. S4G is a non-profit organisation that seeks to support efforts to significantly reduce incidents of maternal mortality in Nigeria through soliciting broad-based support to implement measurable and sustainable initiatives in Nigerian communities.

(Note: This op-ed is a call to action and does not represent specific real-time information. For the latest statistics and updates on maternal mortality in Africa and Nigeria, please refer to reliable sources and reports from reputable organizations.)

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