Nigeria is confronted with an alarming rate of maternal mortality, which is critical healthcare. Inadequate prenatal care, coupled with persistently high rates of child mortality, exacerbates this dire situation that demands immediate action. In 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) approximated Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate to be at 917 per 100,000 live births. Shockingly, this number rose by almost 14% in 2020, amounting to 1047 deaths. With this, the country ranks among countries grappling with alarmingly high rates of maternal mortality across the globe. This earnest circumstance can be attributed to a range of factors, such as the limited quality healthcare services that disproportionately affect rural areas, where a considerable segment of the population resides.
The predicaments endured by expectant mothers in Nigeria are exacerbated by insufficient prenatal care. Numerous women in the country face limited availability of standard prenatal services, resulting in complications throughout their pregnancies and childbirth. Also, the delayed onset of antenatal care and shortage of qualified healthcare providers, result in avoidable maternal fatalities. The issue is further compounded by inadequate resources, infrastructure, and inadequate awareness regarding the importance of timely and consistent prenatal check-ups. Maternal and child health are undeniably intertwined, wherein the hardships of mothers directly impact the welfare of their offspring. Elevated levels of maternal deaths exacerbate infant mortality rates.
A lack of competent medical personnel poses an obstacle.
Children born to mothers who experience complications during pregnancy or childbirth face a higher likelihood of suffering from health problems and developmental setbacks. Ensuring comprehensive maternal care is of utmost importance to grant newborns a healthy beginning and diminish the risk of enduring long-term health difficulties. The shortage of healthcare facilities, a dearth of competent medical personnel, and inadequate transportation options present formidable obstacles for expectant mothers in accessing prompt and high-quality medical assistance. To tackle this problem, substantial funding must be allocated towards enhancing the healthcare framework, while simultaneously implementing strategies to enhance healthcare accessibility in remote areas.
Maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria are significantly influenced by cultural practices and beliefs. These traditional aspects can impede women from accessing appropriate medical attention during pregnancy, as they often depend on the assistance of traditional birth attendants or opt for home deliveries. Societal norms surrounding family planning and fertility contribute to increased risks during pregnancies, thereby exacerbating the challenges faced by maternal health. Raising awareness campaigns aimed at highlighting the significance of contemporary healthcare practices, while embracing cultural diversity, are essential in tackling these cultural obstacles.
Govt must urgently adopt a holistic and unified strategy.
Additionally, it is imperative to acknowledge the pivotal role of education in effectively addressing the health challenges faced by mothers and children in Nigeria. Inadequate access to education, notably for females, plays a role in the prevalence of unhealthy healthcare-seeking habits, delayed start of prenatal care, and a restricted grasp of family planning. Allocating resources to education, with a particular focus on girls and women, can empower them with the knowledge necessary to make educated choices about their personal health, family planning, and the welfare of their offspring.
These efforts may also aid in curbing child mortality rates, instilling an awareness of critical healthcare practices. Government must urgently adopt a holistic and unified strategy to address the ongoing obstacles affecting the well-being of mothers and children. Effective policy interventions require collaboration among government agencies, healthcare professionals, non-governmental organizations, and local communities. Enhancing accessibility to maternal and child health services can be achieved by constructing additional healthcare facilities, ensuring an adequate number of skilled healthcare professionals, and providing sufficient resources. Fostering connections with nearby communities is crucial in transforming health-seeking habits.
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Active involvement of community figures like leaders, traditional birth attendants, and religious guides can greatly contribute towards spreading awareness regarding the significance of prenatal care and ensuring safe delivery practices. Above all, the government should demonstrate unwavering dedication to allocating resources and implementing policies that give utmost priority to the well-being of mothers and children. Nigeria has the opportunity to shape a healthier future by directly tackling the issues that hinder accessibility, affordability, and high quality in healthcare services throughout the nation. By doing so, the well-being of both mothers and children across the country can be effectively safeguarded.
Related Link
WHO: Website
