Nigeria continues to record one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with stakeholders calling for immediate intervention. At the 2025 Celebrating Womanhood Art Gala, experts emphasized the need for urgent policies and actions to tackle this crisis.
Nigeria’s Alarming Maternal Mortality Rate
Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, highlighted that Nigeria still experiences over 1,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births. This figure is significantly higher than the UN Sustainable Development Goal target of fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 births by 2030.
Women’s Economic Empowerment and Healthcare Access
Ihekweazu stressed that economic empowerment is key to improving maternal health. Women with financial independence are better positioned to access quality healthcare, make informed health decisions, and push for policies prioritizing maternal health.
The Role of Women in Family Health
Iyadunni Olubode, Director of MSD for Mothers (Nigeria and Kenya), pointed out that women are primary health caretakers in their households. They ensure family members take prescribed medications, attend immunization appointments, and maintain overall well-being.
Call for Increased Awareness and Policy Integration
Dr. Zainab Shinkafi-Bagudu, President-elect of the Union for International Cancer Control and Founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation, urged professionals across industries to integrate women’s health and empowerment into their work. She emphasized the importance of awareness campaigns and policy reforms to improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.
Conclusion
Tackling maternal mortality in Nigeria requires collaborative efforts from healthcare professionals, policymakers, and economic stakeholders. Increased funding, policy advocacy, and public awareness campaigns can help reduce maternal deaths and improve overall health for women.
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