The stark reality of maternal care in Nigeria.
Maternal care is an important and significant part of any country’s healthcare. Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio stands at an alarming 814 deaths per 100,000 live births, with a woman’s lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, or post-abortion being 1 in 22. This risk is even more severe in rural areas, where access to quality maternal care is limited.
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Rural vs. urban disparity
The gap in healthcare between rural and urban areas is striking. Nationwide, only 20.3% of women receive the recommended eight or more antenatal care (ANC) visits. However, in urban areas, this figure rises to 35.5%, while in rural areas, it falls drastically to 10.4%.
This means that rural women are more likely to give birth without the necessary medical supervision, increasing the risk of complications and death.
Who is bridging the gap in maternal care?
Thankfully, several organizations and individuals are stepping up to address these disparities and ensure safer motherhood across Nigeria.
- The Abiye (Safe Motherhood) Project
Initiated in Ondo State, the Abiye Project is a comprehensive maternal health program that provides accessible and efficient healthcare services to pregnant women. This initiative has gained national and international recognition for reducing maternal mortality rates.
- Agnes Health: Digital Solutions for Maternal Care
Agnes Health is revolutionizing maternal care through technology. They developed a maternal health app connecting pregnant women with board-certified midwives. This 24/7 telehealth service offers medical support and educational content.
Their innovative approach has reduced maternal death risks by four times and significantly decreased newborn mortality.
- MSD for Mothers: Public-Private Collaboration
MSD for Mothers collaborates with local private health sectors to provide quality maternity care and modern contraception. Their work has reached nearly 8.3 million women across Africa, with a strong focus on Nigeria.
- Aisha Buhari Foundation: Advocating for Women and Children
The Aisha Buhari Foundation, through its Future Assured program, focuses on maternal and child health, nutrition, and education. This initiative addresses the root causes of maternal mortality and promotes community education on safe motherhood.
What more needs to be done to accelerate action to improve maternal care for women in Nigeria?
- Addressing Socioeconomic and Cultural Barriers
Maternal mortality is not just a medical issue, it is deeply tied to socioeconomic and cultural factors. Tailored interventions must provide education and resources to the most vulnerable communities.
Investments in healthcare infrastructure, training skilled birth attendants, and community-based education can significantly reduce maternal deaths.
- Strengthening Public-Private Partnerships
Collaboration between government bodies, private organizations, and NGOs is essential. These partnerships can enhance service delivery, increase funding for rural health initiatives, and ensure consistent maternal care across regions.
How Individuals Can Make a Difference
Everyone has a role to play in bridging the rural-urban gap in maternal care. Here are practical ways you can get involved:
- Support maternal health organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations working to improve maternal healthcare, such as Agnes Health, MSD for Mothers, or local NGOs.
- Raise awareness: Use social media and community forums to advocate for better maternal care policies and highlight the challenges faced by women in rural areas. Always engage and reshare social media posts on this issue whenever you see such.
- Educate yourself and others: Learn about maternal health disparities and share this knowledge with your network by word of mouth or on social media. Education is a powerful tool for change.
A hopeful future for Nigerian mothers
The road to equitable maternal care in Nigeria is challenging, but the collective efforts of dedicated individuals and organizations are making a difference. By closing the rural-urban gap and addressing systemic inequalities, Nigeria can ensure that the cost of motherhood is not measured in lives lost.
With continued advocacy and targeted investments by the government, organizations, and individuals, a future where every Nigerian mother has access to quality care is within reach.