Nigeria Health Watch
In 2021, we discussed the first phase of the Saving Mothers Giving Life (SMGL) project which was implemented in Cross River State; and introduced SMGL 2.0, the second phase of the initiative being implemented by Pathfinder International with the aim of improving access to maternal and newborn health services and strengthening collaboration and partnership between […]
The quality of healthcare a woman receives during pregnancy, delivery and postpartum is critical as it determines whether she lives or dies. Evidence shows that a majority of the maternal medicines used to treat the leading cause of maternal mortality (postpartum haemorrhage) in circulation in Nigeria are sub-standard. Consumers of sub-standard medicines might never be […]
In 2020, we shone a spotlight on RICOM3, a programme focused on helping Nigerian women take ownership of their pregnancy journey, by going the extra mile to implement a Quality of Care (QoC) model that women and health care workers can easily adopt, own and practice. A consortium consisting of Jhpiego, mDoc and Health Strategy […]
By Ibukun Oguntola and Dara Ajala-Damisa (Lead Writers) According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS), there are 512 maternal deaths for every 100,000 live births. Nigeria accounts of 20% of global maternal deaths and between 2005 and 2015, it is estimated that 600,000 maternal fatalities occured and there were no less than 900,000 […]
By Innocent Eteng (Lead Writer) Five years ago, when pregnancy related complications threatened the life of Abisola Oladapo’s new-born baby, she experienced a ‘eureka’ moment. “Unknown to me, my water had broken but I didn’t tell my doctor during my appointment because I thought I’d wet myself and I didn’t want to be judged,” she […]
By Leocadia Bongben (Lead Writer) Jean Firwa and his wife Martha were excited to be expecting a baby after 10 years of trying to conceive. However, neither realised that their joy would be short-lived. On the morning of May 15, 2015, tragedy struck for the couple. Experiencing sharp pains, Martha needed to be transported to […]
According to the 2018 NDHS Survey, it is estimated that there are 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. A Nigerian woman has a 1-in-22 lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum/post-abortion. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the maternal healthcare service delivery value-chains across Nigerian states. There was increased pressure on healthcare […]
By Anthonia Obokoh (Lead Writer) The maternal mortality rate in Nigeria is 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, and according to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 61 percent of live births do not take place in a health facility. About 20% of global maternal deaths occur in Nigeria and more women especially […]
By Olajide Adelana – Lead writer Balarabe Danladi Zakariya, a resident of Gabari, Kano State thinks he is jinxed and the reason is not far-fetched. He was married twice and lost both his wives in childbirth. His first marriage had a sweet beginning until his wife, Lami, died of breast cancer months after giving birth […]
By Rabson Kondowe and Feston Malekezo (Lead Writers) “I thought I was going to die, I nearly gave birth on a ship,” Lucy Chirambo said somberly. It was in the wee hours of a cold July in 2016 when Chirambo started showing labour signs. Without hesitation, her husband hastily took her to Tchalo Health Centre, […]
By Dr. Chibugo Okoli (Guest Writer) The maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is estimated at 512 per 100,000 live births whilst non-communicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 27% of total deaths in 2008. The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has demonstrated its commitment to address NCDs via the creation of an NCDs division, the development of […]
We have heard the statistics countless times. Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). According to the Nigeria Demographic Health Survey 2018, only a mere 39% of live births occur in health facilities, with 61% of births taking place outside of a health facility. According to […]
Maternal mortality, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO) is the death of a woman while pregnant or within 42 days following the delivery or termination of a pregnancy. The WHO notes that Nigeria alone accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths. Globally, maternal mortality remains a major public health concern, especially in poorly […]
By Taiwo Adebulu (Lead Writer) “This article was produced in collaboration with Maternal Figures, a database of maternal health interventions implemented in Nigeria.” Esther is pregnant and walked into the Radiodiagnostic centre at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Ebute Metta, Lagos State. “Ultrasound?” one of the nurses asked as soon as she sat. She nodded […]