Nigeria Health Watch, a public‑health organization, has warned that maternal mortality in Nigeria is rising and that the country is not moving in the right direction to curb the problem. The group urges the government to recognise that women’s lives must be saved, stating that “no woman deserves to die while giving birth in the country.” Managing Director Vivianne Ihekweazu voiced these concerns in Abuja during the second edition of the “Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala,” themed “Elevating women’s voices for quality maternal healthcare.” The event, part of International Women’s Month celebrations, highlighted the gap between Nigeria’s current maternal mortality rates and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Ihekweazu noted that the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reports a maternal mortality ratio of 512 per 100,000 live births, while a recent WHO report places the figure at over 1,000. She questioned whether the country truly prioritises women’s lives and called for a collective decision to value them. “We also need to examine leadership,” she said, adding that women must be included in decision‑making processes. “Do we have enough women at the table who understand their own experiences and why integrating women’s perspectives is essential?” She stressed that Nigeria cannot remain a nation where more women die during childbirth.
To raise awareness, NHW and its partners are using art to highlight maternal health issues. Ihekweazu emphasized the importance of listening to women’s voices, explaining that a woman knows her own needs and the challenges she faces throughout the nine‑month pregnancy journey. Addressing these issues at every stage is crucial for improving maternal healthcare.
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi‑Bagudu, wife of the Kebbi State governor and founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, acknowledged the severe maternal health challenges in Nigeria, including in Kebbi State. She pointed to interventions by partners, the government, and civil society that have improved maternal health indicators in the state. Shinkafi‑Bagudu highlighted the role of community development committees in influencing decisions and social behaviour, which she said has made a significant difference in Kebbi’s maternal outcomes.
Chika Offor, chair of the Health Sector Reform Coalition, warned that the lifetime risk of a Nigerian woman dying during pregnancy is alarming. She praised Nigeria Health Watch and its partners for drawing attention to the suffering of Nigerian mothers and urged the government to focus on reducing the country’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates. “The situation, which has persisted for far too long, is unacceptable. It is time we do things right,” Offor concluded.
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