Midwives boost maternal survival in Yobe’s conflict Zones, Study finds

Nigeria’s community midwifery programme is significantly improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in conflict-affected rural communities of Yobe State, according to new research by the EQUAL Research Consortium released in Abuja on Monday. Emilia Iwu, Senior Technical Adviser at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), disclosed the findings during the close-out and dissemination meeting […]

Nigeria’s community midwifery programme is significantly improving maternal and newborn health outcomes in conflict-affected rural communities of Yobe State, according to new research by the EQUAL Research Consortium released in Abuja on Monday.

Emilia Iwu, Senior Technical Adviser at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), disclosed the findings during the close-out and dissemination meeting of the multi-country EQUAL project implemented across Nigeria.

The five-year study, conducted between July 2021 and April 2026, examined how community-trained midwives contribute to workforce availability and service delivery in rural primary healthcare centres.

Researchers found that community-trained midwives were nearly twice as likely as graduates of the basic programme to come from rural areas and remain working in primary healthcare facilities serving their communities.

According to the study, 67 per cent of community midwifery graduates secured employment within six months of completing their training, while 64 per cent were deployed to underserved rural health facilities across Yobe State.

The findings showed that nearly all community midwives conducted deliveries, 90 per cent provided antenatal care services, and 70 per cent offered family planning services, helping to expand access to essential maternal and reproductive healthcare.

Ms Iwu said the programme was producing positive outcomes in vulnerable communities but noted that several operational challenges could affect its long-term sustainability if not addressed.

She identified irregular salary payments, challenges relating to staff deployment, workplace conditions, and limited opportunities for career advancement as factors affecting the retention of skilled midwives in rural communities.

The study further found that workforce attrition was most common within the first five years of practice, with many midwives seeking employment opportunities in urban centres or with non-governmental organisations.

Despite the progress recorded, researchers identified areas requiring further improvement, including newborn care, patient communication, and emotional support services. Women interviewed during the study also cited financial constraints, family influence, and cultural considerations as factors contributing to delayed healthcare-seeking behaviour.

The researchers recommended harmonised salary structures, improved facility security, mental health support, protected funding, and formal recognition of community midwives within the civil service framework to strengthen programme outcomes.

The study estimated that increased coverage of midwife-delivered interventions could contribute significantly to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality across the state.

Health Adviser at the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), Ebere Anyachukwu, reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to supporting improved maternal and newborn health outcomes in fragile and conflict-affected communities.

He noted that women and newborns living in insecure environments often face heightened health risks and called for sustained investment, evidence-based interventions, and stronger collaboration among stakeholders.

Mr Anyachukwu commended IHVN, the EQUAL Consortium, and Nigerian research partners for generating evidence to support improvements in maternal and newborn healthcare delivery.

Also speaking, Emmanuel Udontre, representing the Registrar of the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria, praised the research team for providing practical findings aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality.

The research focused on three key themes: the political economy and financing of maternal health, workforce development for midwives, and quality-of-care assessments in conflict-affected health facilities.

Hadiza Sabo, Provost of Shehu Sule College of Nursing Sciences, said the findings highlighted workforce challenges, including heavy workloads, remuneration concerns, and limited structured career progression pathways.

She called for the establishment of a state-level service scheme to formalise career progression and improve retention of trained midwives within Yobe’s rural healthcare system.

Speaking on collaboration with traditional birth attendants, Ms Sabo explained that council-regulated midwives possess certified professional qualifications, while traditional birth attendants operate outside the formal regulatory framework.

She described the research as an important contribution for policymakers and urged evidence-based reforms to improve student welfare, reduce burnout, and strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services across the state.