Weak health systems, poverty and lack of skilled birth attendants blamed for Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate.

Nigeria is facing a serious maternal health challenge, with about 82,000 women dying from pregnancy-related complications, health experts have said.

They noted that the country’s maternal mortality rate stands at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, ranking Nigeria third globally after South Sudan and Chad.

The experts attributed the high number of deaths to weak healthcare systems, poverty, and limited access to quality maternal healthcare services, especially in rural communities.

According to them, many pregnant women do not have access to skilled birth attendants, emergency obstetric care, and essential medicines, resulting in preventable deaths from complications such as severe bleeding, eclampsia, and infections.

They also identified poverty as a major factor, noting that many families are unable to afford quality healthcare, adequate nutrition, or transportation to medical facilities.

In addition, many primary healthcare centres across the country lack essential medical equipment, trained health workers, and reliable electricity needed to provide effective maternal care.

The experts further noted that cultural practices, misinformation, and certain religious beliefs sometimes discourage women from seeking medical care during pregnancy and childbirth.

They also raised concerns over the continued migration of Nigerian healthcare professionals abroad, which has left many health facilities understaffed.

The experts called on government at all levels to prioritise reforms in the health sector by strengthening maternal healthcare services, improving health data systems, and expanding access to skilled medical care.

They recommended measures such as free maternity services, better-equipped health facilities, and emergency transport systems to help reduce maternal deaths across the country.