Maternal mortality in Nigeria remains a challenge. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for over 20% of global maternal deaths. Many Nigerian women die during pregnancy, childbirth, or shortly after delivery due to preventable causes.
Women should not lose their lives while bringing new life into the world. We must take action to improve healthcare, access to services, and public awareness to save more mothers,
Below are 10 proven ways to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria.
1. Improve Access to Skilled Birth Attendants
Many Nigerian women give birth without the help of trained healthcare professionals. This increases the risk of complications. Studies show that countries with more midwives and doctors at childbirth have lower maternal death rates. Every woman should have access to a skilled birth attendant during pregnancy and delivery.
2. Strengthen Primary Healthcare Centers
Nigeria has over 34,000 primary healthcare centers (PHCs), yet many lack basic medical supplies and trained staff. Strengthening these centers will give women quality care before, during, and after childbirth.
3. Provide Emergency Obstetric Care
Every state and local government should ensure hospitals have enough doctors, equipment, and blood banks to handle emergencies.
4. Educate Women on Safe Motherhood
Many women do not know the danger signs of pregnancy complications. Educating women about prenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal care can help them make better health choices. Community outreach programs and health campaigns can help spread this information to rural areas.
5. Ensure Affordable and Free Maternal Healthcare
The cost of medical care stops many women from visiting hospitals. Free or affordable healthcare programs should be made available to all pregnant women, especially those in low-income communities.
6. Improve Transportation to Health Centers
Many women die because they cannot reach a hospital in time. Poor road networks and lack of transportation delay access to medical help. Government and private organizations should invest in ambulance services and rural transport systems to ensure pregnant women reach hospitals quickly.
7. Promote Family Planning and Contraception
Unplanned pregnancies increase health risks for women. Family planning services allow women to space pregnancies safely and reduce complications. Access to contraceptives and reproductive health education will help women make informed choices about their health.
8. Combat Cultural Barriers and Myths
Some cultural beliefs discourage women from seeking medical care. In many parts of Nigeria, home births and traditional birth attendants are preferred over hospitals. Awareness campaigns should educate families on the importance of hospital deliveries and safe pregnancy care.
9. Train More Healthcare Workers
Nigeria does not have enough doctors and midwives to care for pregnant women. Training more healthcare workers will increase the number of professionals available to help women during pregnancy and childbirth.
10. Implement Stronger Government Policies
The government must prioritize maternal health by creating and enforcing laws that support safe pregnancy and childbirth. Increased funding, improved hospital infrastructure, and better working conditions for healthcare workers will help reduce maternal mortality.
Conclusion
Nigeria must act now to protect women from preventable pregnancy-related deaths. By improving healthcare services, educating women, and addressing cultural barriers, we can save more lives and ensure safer pregnancies.
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