Partnering for Progress: Tackling Maternal and Child Mortality in Nigeria
Nigeria faces critical maternal and child mortality rates, prompting government action and partnerships aimed at improving healthcare services, particularly in underserved regions. Significant health initiatives have expanded access to care, leading to increased safe deliveries and child immunizations. Despite ongoing challenges, sustained commitment and strategic investments are paving the way for improved maternal and child health outcomes nationwide.
Partnering for Progress: Addressing Maternal and Child Mortality in Nigeria
Hajiya A’ishatu, a resident of Tudun-Wada city in Nigeria’s Gombe State, reflects on her experience giving birth at the local Primary Health Care Facility, expressing gratitude for the care she received during her deliveries. Her experience highlights a national initiative aimed at enhancing maternal and child health services, particularly in underserved regions of Nigeria. With maternal and child mortality rates among the highest globally, the Nigerian government has implemented strategies to address these issues through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund.
This initiative, supported by financing and technical assistance from the Global Financing Facility (GFF), has strengthened approximately 900 primary healthcare facilities by enhancing infrastructure and healthcare services available, such as free deliveries and transportation for midwives in remote areas. A significant achievement from 2014 to 2020 was a rise in safe deliveries from 22% to 68% and an increase in vaccinations for children to one million annually, largely due to collaboration with the World Bank and other partners.
Furthermore, the focus on adolescent health is critical due to Nigeria’s significant youth population. Programs in regions such as Kaduna State have provided adolescent girls with increased access to family planning information and modern contraceptive options, positively affecting health and nutrition services for mothers and children. Maryam Ishah, a 17-year-old, emphasizes the transformative role of these health services in her community, expressing her aspiration to become a doctor.
Despite these successes, challenges persist in the form of underfunding, staff shortages, and increasing healthcare costs that lead many women to resort to traditional healing methods or home births. Zainab Umar Ciroma and patient Sumaiya Yakubu voiced the concerns regarding the diminishing quality of healthcare services after previously experiencing free medical assistance.
In response, Nigeria has initiated the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, designed to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality through a collaborative approach among various partners. The World Bank’s recent approval of a $570 million project bolsters this initiative, integrating resources to ensure vulnerable populations receive essential healthcare services.
As Nigeria advances through this significant transformation, the commitment to strategic investments and collaborative efforts will potentially enhance healthcare access, save lives, and uphold the health rights of women, children, and adolescents.
In Nigeria, maternal and child mortality rates are alarmingly high, contributing to 20% of the global burden of maternal deaths. Recognizing this urgent health crisis, the Nigerian government has partnered with various organizations, including the Global Financing Facility and the World Bank, to implement health initiatives aimed at delivering essential services in underserved communities. The Basic Health Care Provision Fund and other subsequent programs represent efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes significantly, particularly targeting vulnerable populations.
In summary, Nigeria is making notable progress in addressing maternal and child mortality through initiatives that enhance healthcare resources and services. Despite the ongoing challenges, the government’s strategic partnerships and investments signify a promising direction for improving health outcomes for women, children, and adolescents. These efforts reflect a commitment to ensuring health equity and access across the nation.
Original Source: www.worldbank.org
