Maternal Mortality in Nigeria PDF

NAME: TEMANG NANCHIN DIYELMANG MATRIC. NO.: BHU/23/01/06/0148 COURSE: NSC 308 - MAT. AND CHILD HEALTH DATE: 15TH JANUARY, 2024 MATERNAL MORTALITY IN NIGERIA AND ITS RELATION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 3.1 Nigeria's maternal mortality rat...

NAME: TEMANG NANCHIN DIYELMANG MATRIC. NO.: BHU/23/01/06/0148 COURSE: NSC 308 - MAT. AND CHILD HEALTH DATE: 15TH JANUARY, 2024 MATERNAL MORTALITY IN NIGERIA AND ITS RELATION TO SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 3.1 Nigeria's maternal mortality ratio (MMR) remains a critical public health challenge, significantly hindering progress towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3.1. This goal aims to reduce the global MMR to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030. Nigeria's MMR, however, is one of the highest globally, presenting a stark contrast to this target and demanding urgent and comprehensive action. Current Maternal Mortality Ratio in Nigeria 1,047 women die per 100,000 live births due to pregnancy-related causes in Nigeria. The maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria has improved from 1,148 in 2000 to 1,047 in 2020. Maternal mortality in Nigeria is higher than its regional average. This figure signifies that a tragically high number of women die from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth. This situation not only represents a significant loss of life but also has profound social and economic consequences for families, communities, and the nation as a whole. It underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to improve maternal health outcomes in the country. SDG 3.1 and its Relevance to Nigeria SDG 3 focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages. Target 3.1 specifically aims to "reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births" by 2030. This target is crucial because maternal mortality is a preventable tragedy, and its reduction is a key indicator of a country's overall health system strength and commitment to women's health. The wide gap between Nigeria's current MMR and the global target necessitates a deep understanding of the contributing factors and the implementation of effective interventions. Factors Contributing to High MMR in Nigeria Nigeria's persistently high maternal mortality ratio (MMR) stems from interconnected factors. Limited access to quality healthcare, especially in rural areas, is a major contributor. Socioeconomic factors like poverty, low education levels (particularly among women), and gender inequality restrict access to essential resources. Cultural and traditional practices, such as early marriage and preferences for home births, can also increase risks. Weak health systems, characterized by inadequate infrastructure and shortages of trained personnel, further exacerbate the problem. Finally, conflict and insecurity disrupt healthcare access in affected regions, significantly increasing maternal mortality rates. Consequences of High MMR The high MMR has devastating consequences: I. Loss of Life and Potential: Each maternal death represents a tragic loss of a woman's life and potential, impacting families and communities. II. Adverse Impact on Child Survival: Maternal deaths increase the risk of newborn and child mortality, creating a vicious cycle of poor health outcomes. III. Social and Economic Burden: Maternal mortality places a significant burden on families and communities, impacting their social and economic well-being. Interventions to Reduce MMR and Achieve SDG 3.1 Reducing Nigeria's high Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) and achieving SDG 3.1 demands a multi- pronged strategy. Strengthening Antenatal Care (ANC) improves early detection and management of complications. Increasing Skilled Birth Attendance ensures access to qualified professionals and well- equipped facilities. Improving Emergency Obstetric Care provides timely management of life- threatening complications. Investing in Family Planning empowers women to plan pregnancies and reduce risks. Empowering women and girls through education and economic opportunities enhances their health literacy and autonomy. Strengthening health systems improves infrastructure, human resources, and supply chains. Community engagement promotes awareness and addresses cultural barriers. Finally, addressing conflict and insecurity ensures healthcare access in affected areas through mobile clinics and humanitarian partnerships. Reference SDG Target 3.1 Maternal mortality. (n.d.). https://www.who.int/data/gho/data/themes/topics/sdg-target-3-1-maternal- mortality#:~:text=SDG%20Target%203.1%20Reduce%20the,can%20women's%20lives%20be%20saved%3F Ajegbile, M. L. (2023). Closing the gap in maternal health access and quality through targeted investments in low- resource settings. Journal of Global Health Reports, 7. https://doi.org/10.29392/001c.88917 W.H.O(2019). Maternal health in Nigeria: generating information for action https://www.who.int/news/item/25-06-2019-maternal-health-in-nigeria-generating-information-for- action#:~:text=The%20Nigeria%20Near%2DMiss%20and,level%20of%20care%20play%20a