Introduction
Maternal and child health remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with high maternal and infant mortality rates posing significant public health challenges. Despite various governmental and non-governmental interventions, many women and children still lack access to quality healthcare.
This article explores key maternal and child health programs in Nigeria, their impact, the challenges faced, and possible ways to improve healthcare accessibility for mothers and children.
The Current State of Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria
Nigeria accounts for a significant percentage of global maternal and infant deaths. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria contributes 20% of all maternal deaths worldwide.
The major causes include complications during childbirth, inadequate healthcare facilities, and a lack of access to skilled birth attendants.
Other factors such as malnutrition, poverty, and social inequalities further exacerbate the problem, leading to high neonatal and infant mortality rates.
Statistics on Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria:
- Maternal Mortality Rate (MMR): Over 512 deaths per 100,000 live births.
- Infant Mortality Rate (IMR): Around 67 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- Under-5 Mortality Rate: 117 deaths per 1,000 live births.
- Skilled Birth Attendance: Only 39% of births are attended by skilled healthcare personnel.
These figures highlight the urgent need for effective maternal and child health policies and initiatives in Nigeria.
Key Maternal and Child Health Initiatives in Nigeria
1. Abiye (Safe Motherhood) Project
Launched in Ondo State, the Abiye initiative focuses on providing free maternal healthcare services to pregnant women, reducing home deliveries, and improving access to skilled birth attendants.
This program employs Community Health Extension Workers (CHEWs) who monitor pregnant women and ensure they receive adequate prenatal and postnatal care.
2. Midwives Service Scheme (MSS)
This initiative, spearheaded by the Federal Government, deploys trained midwives to rural and underserved areas to improve maternal and newborn healthcare services. The MSS has significantly contributed to reducing maternal deaths in rural communities where access to hospitals is limited.
3. Saving One Million Lives (SOML) Initiative
This program, backed by the World Bank, aims to reduce child and maternal mortality through expanded immunization, malaria control, nutritional interventions, and access to skilled birth attendants. SOML emphasizes performance-based financing, rewarding states that improve their health indicators.
4. National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) Maternal and Child Health Coverage
The NHIA provides affordable and accessible health insurance plans for expectant mothers, helping them receive quality antenatal and postnatal care. This initiative has helped low-income families afford healthcare services that would otherwise be out of reach.
5. UNICEF and WHO Health Campaigns
UNICEF collaborates with the Nigerian government to support child immunization programs, exclusive breastfeeding campaigns, and maternal nutrition awareness initiatives. These programs play a crucial role in preventing common childhood diseases and improving overall maternal health.
Challenges Affecting Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria
Despite the implementation of various programs, maternal and child healthcare in Nigeria faces several challenges:
- Limited Access to Healthcare in Rural Areas: Many communities lack well-equipped healthcare centers, making it difficult for pregnant women and children to access quality care.
- High Cost of Quality Healthcare Services: Private healthcare services are often expensive, and many families cannot afford them.
- Shortage of Trained Healthcare Professionals: Nigeria faces a brain drain of medical professionals, leading to inadequate staffing in hospitals and maternity clinics.
- Cultural and Traditional Beliefs Discouraging Hospital Births: Some communities still adhere to traditional birthing practices, avoiding hospital deliveries.
- Inadequate Funding and Infrastructure: Many hospitals lack essential facilities, medical supplies, and emergency response mechanisms.
How to Improve Maternal and Child Healthcare in Nigeria
To effectively reduce maternal and infant mortality, the following measures should be prioritized:
- Expanding Health Insurance Coverage: More pregnant women and infants should be enrolled in NHIA programs to access affordable healthcare services.
- Investing in Rural Healthcare Facilities: The government and private sector should build and equip more healthcare centers in rural areas to ensure better accessibility.
- Training and Employing More Skilled Birth Attendants: More midwives and healthcare professionals should be trained and deployed to underserved communities.
- Encouraging Community-Based Health Awareness Programs: Grassroots initiatives should focus on educating mothers about safe childbirth practices, immunization, and family planning.
- Strengthening Government Policies: Policies supporting maternal and child health should be enforced, and funding for healthcare should be increased.
- Adopting Telemedicine and Mobile Health Solutions: Digital healthcare services can provide remote maternal health consultations and emergency support.
Key Takeaway
Improving maternal and child health in Nigeria requires collective efforts from the government, private sector, and healthcare organizations.
By strengthening existing initiatives, expanding healthcare access, and adopting innovative solutions, Nigeria can significantly reduce maternal and infant mortality rates, ensuring a healthier future for mothers and children nationwide.
