By Fatima Musa Bukar, Maiduguri:
Pregnant women and children under five in Borno State are facing alarming rates of maternal mortality and child deaths, according to the National Bureau of Statistics and World Health Organization. The staggering maternal mortality rate of 1,549 per 100,000 live births far exceeds the national average of 545 per 100,000 live births in Nigeria, claiming thousands of lives annually.
Borno State, has grappled with this crisis since the Boko Haram insurgency began. The state’s healthcare system remains severely impacted, with destroyed health facilities, food insecurity and a shortage of medical personnel. The doctor-to-patient ratio stands at approximately 1:100,000, while only 2.9% of health facilities provide basic emergency obstetric care.
The causes of maternal morality and child deaths include: Obstetric hemorrhage, eclampsia, sepsis, obstructed labor and complications from unsafe abortions are leading causes of maternal deaths. Diarrhea/vomiting, malaria, measles, pneumonia and neonatal tetanus primarily affect under-five children.
Experts advocate for improved healthcare infrastructure, enhanced education and awareness, addressing cultural and social barriers, increasing access to nutrition and economic resources and strengthening community-based initiatives.
Maternal mortality rate in Nigeria : 1,549 per 100,000 live births
National average maternal mortality rate: 545 per 100,000 live births
Under-five mortality rate in Borno State: 222 per 1,000 live births
Estimated maternal deaths in Nigeria in 2023: 57,000
Fatimambukar08@gmail.com
About The Author
