20/10/2026
MATERNAL DEATH IN NIGERIA: A LIFE THAT COULD HAVE BEEN SAVED?
Imagine a woman who carries her baby for nine months, only to lose her life during childbirth or shortly after delivery. Her family welcomes a baby but loses a mother.
Sadly, this is the reality for many Nigerian families.
According to WHO and partner agencies, an estimated 75,000 women died from maternal causes in Nigeria in 2023, accounting for approximately 29% of maternal deaths worldwide.
BUT WHAT EXACTLY IS MATERNAL DEATH?
Maternal death is the death of a woman during pregnancy, labor or childbirth or within 42 days after the pregnancy ends, from causes related to or worsened by pregnancy.
WHAT CAUSES MATERNAL DEATH?
Some major causes include:
Severe bleeding during or after childbirth.
High blood pressure and eclampsia.
Severe infections.
Prolonged or obstructed labour.
Complications from unsafe abortion.
Anaemia, malaria, delays in accessing healthcare, and inadequate emergency maternity services can also increase the risks.
HOW CAN WE HELP PREVENT IT?
1. Attend antenatal care regularly. The WHO recommends at least eight contacts during pregnancy.
2. Encourage childbirth with skilled health professionals.
3. Seek urgent medical attention for heavy bleeding, severe headaches with blurred vision, difficulty breathing, convulsions, or fever with serious illness.
4. Ensure mothers receive care after delivery, not just during pregnancy.
5. Support pregnant women and help them access healthcare without unnecessary delays.
LET’S REMEMBER THIS:
Maternal death is not always preventable, but many deaths can be avoided through timely, quality healthcare.
A mother’s life matters. Her survival matters. Her family needs her.
Let’s stop treating maternal death as inevitable. Let’s spread awareness, support our mothers, and help save lives.
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