Chris Okpoko
The 2025 Nigeria Health Statistics Report released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare indicated that Nigeria recorded an estimated 20,811 maternal, neonatal, and under-five deaths between January and September 2025. The data further highlighted the top 10 leading causes of maternal deaths as maternal complications, cardiovascular diseases, malaria, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes mellitus, sepsis, anaemia, tuberculosis, and neonatal complications. It also highlighted diarrhoea, pneumonia/acute respiratory infections, meningitis, anaemia, severe malnutrition or hunger, septicaemia, tetanus, and hypoxaemia among the top 10 causes of neonatal and under-five deaths.
Similarly, at the 66th National Council on Health conference themed, “My health, my right: Accelerating universal health coverage through equity, resilience, and innovation.” held in Calabar, last month, the Technical Specialist for Reproductive and Maternal Health at the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Nigeria, Lordfred Achu, while speaking on the topic “The critical missing link in crashing maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria, revealed that from UNFPA data, Nigeria, India, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Pakistan account for nearly half of all global maternal deaths, with Nigeria ranking among countries with very high maternal mortality ratios, between 500 and 999 deaths per 100,000 live births. According to him, Nigeria records one maternal death every seven minutes. At the same time, millions of women still face barriers to care due to poverty, ignorance, cultural taboos, and limited access to health facilities. “Our maternal mortality ratio is very high, and the adolescent fertility rate is also very high. Some figures that we found are 106 births per 1,000 women. “We noticed that 24 million girls get married before the age of 18. The modern contraceptive prevalence rate is 15 per cent, and the unmet need for family planning is 21 per cent. The fertility rate is 4.8 births per woman. “So our contraceptive prevalence is low, and this is actually in a way contributing to maternal death,” he said.
Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, has been grappling with a critical public health crisis—high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for approximately 19 percent of global maternal deaths, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. At the same time, neonatal mortality stands at around 39 deaths per 1,000 live births. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent a profound humanitarian issue with far-reaching implications for families, communities, and the nation as a whole. This article examines the implications of high maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria, focusing on health outcomes, economic impacts, social stability, and challenges to development.
One of the most immediate implications of high maternal and neonatal mortality is the devastating impact on family health and well-being. The loss of a mother during childbirth profoundly affects the family structure. Mothers often serve as primary caregivers, and their absence can lead to significant disruptions in the nurturing and care of children, particularly newborns who rely heavily on maternal bonding and breastfeeding for their physical and emotional development. Children who lose their mothers are more likely to experience poor health outcomes, increased vulnerability to malnutrition, and a higher risk of mortality within the first five years of life. The psychological scars left on surviving children can also be severe, manifesting as anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues, which can perpetuate a cycle of trauma throughout generations.
High maternal and neonatal mortality rates are also indicative of broader systemic healthcare failures. In Nigeria, inadequate access to quality healthcare services is a significant contributor to these mortality rates. Many rural communities lack sufficient healthcare infrastructure, trained personnel, and essential medical supplies, which exacerbates the risks associated with childbirth. Women may be deterred from seeking prenatal and postnatal care due to perceived or real barriers such as cost, distance, and cultural attitudes toward healthcare. Consequently, insufficient healthcare access not only heightens the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth but also undermines the overall health system, leading to increased morbidity and mortality rates.
Moreover, the economic implications of high maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria cannot be overstated. Families that experience maternal death often face financial ruin due to the loss of income and overwhelming medical expenses incurred during complications or delivery. In many cases, the burden of care for orphaned children falls on extended family members, creating additional economic strain. A study published by the African Development Bank highlights that maternal mortality costs Nigeria approximately $1.3 billion annually in lost potential productivity. This figure encompasses lost income from women who could otherwise contribute to the workforce, as well as the economic costs associated with caring for children left without mothers. Furthermore, a high prevalence of maternal and neonatal mortality can deter foreign investment and reduce overall economic growth, perpetuating a cycle of poverty that affects millions.
In addition to the direct impacts on families and the economy, high maternal and neonatal mortality rates pose significant challenges to social stability and national development. When a large segment of the population—particularly women—struggles with health and wellbeing, societal progress is hindered. Educated and healthy women are crucial for fostering productive communities, driving economic growth, and promoting social change. However, high maternal mortality stalls female education and empowerment, as societal norms may prioritize early marriage and childbearing over educational pursuits for girls. This, in turn, limits women’s participation in labour markets and restricts their ability to advocate for their rights, perpetuating gender inequality.
The public health implications extend beyond immediate mortality rates, as high maternal and neonatal mortality contribute to a broader environment where communicable and non-communicable diseases thrive due to compromised immune systems and healthcare access. The neglect of maternal health within the healthcare system often leads to a cascading effect on child health, resulting in higher incidences of childhood illnesses and malnutrition. A comprehensive approach to tackling maternal health should encompass not only skilled birth attendance and access to emergency obstetric care but also preventative measures such as immunizations, nutrition programs, and family planning services.
Addressing the high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria requires a multi-dimensional strategy that involves government policy reform, community engagement, and international assistance. The Nigerian government must prioritize maternal and child health within its national health agenda by allocating adequate resources and ensuring the training of healthcare professionals. Implementing robust health policies that focus on integrated care models, including reproductive health, family planning, and prenatal education, is crucial. Furthermore, a focus on addressing social determinants of health—such as poverty, education, and access to clean water and sanitation—can yield significant benefits in reducing mortality rates.
Community engagement is equally important in changing attitudes toward maternal health and encouraging women to seek healthcare services. Grassroots initiatives that involve local leaders and educators can help raise awareness about the importance of antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal follow-ups. Educating communities about maternal health can empower women to make informed decisions regarding their health and that of their children.
International assistance can also play a pivotal role, especially in providing funding, technical expertise, and health resources to Nigeria. Collaborative efforts between the Nigerian government, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international bodies such as the WHO and UNICEF could facilitate the establishment of mobile health clinics, training programs for midwives, and emergency health interventions in underserved areas. Additionally, investments in technology—such as telemedicine solutions—can enhance access to care for women in remote regions, bridging the gap between them and healthcare services.
In conclusion, the implications of high maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria extend far beyond individual tragedies—they echo throughout families, communities, and the nation itself. Addressing this public health crisis is not only essential for improving health outcomes but also for fostering economic development and social stability. A collaborative approach that includes government action, community participation, and international support will be vital in curbing these mortality rates and paving the way for a healthier future for Nigerian women and children. Investing in maternal and child health is crucial for the nation’s prosperity and growth, ensuring that future generations have the opportunity to thrive.