Nigeria, 9 other countries contribute 60% maternal deaths – WHO

According to the press release, Nigeria now has a maternal mortality ratio of 560 per 100,000 live births which is an improvement on 630 per 100,000 in 2010. The report stipulates that about 40,000 maternal deaths occurred in Nigeria in 2013. This figure is second only to India, which recorded 50,000 deaths. ‘’Sub-Saharan Africa is […]

According to the press release, Nigeria now has a maternal mortality ratio of 560 per 100,000 live births which is an improvement on 630 per 100,000 in 2010.
The report stipulates that about 40,000 maternal deaths occurred in Nigeria in 2013.
This figure is second only to India, which recorded 50,000 deaths. ‘’Sub-Saharan Africa is still the riskiest region in the world for dying of complications in pregnancy and childbirth’’, says WHO.
The report reads in part “while it seems uncertain that Nigeria will meet the Millennium Development Goal 5, eleven countries that had high levels of maternal mortality in 1990 (Bhutan, Cambodia, Cabo Verde, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Maldives, Nepal, Romania, Rwanda, Timor-Leste) have already reached the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) target of a 75% reduction in maternal mortality from the 1990 rate by 2015”.
Meanwhile in another study by WHO published in “The Lancet Global Health” it confirms that most of the deaths are preventable.
The report reveals that more than 1 in 4 (28%) maternal deaths are caused by pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, HIV, malaria and obesity, which are usually aggravated by pregnancy.
Other causes of maternal deaths included severe bleeding (mostly during and after childbirth) 27%, pregnancy-induced high blood pressure 14%, infections 11%, obstructed labour and other direct causes 9%, abortion complications 8% and blood clots (embolism) 3%.
The World Health Organisation recommends strong health systems – with facilities that have adequate health workers, equipment and medicines.
 The challenges facing most health facilities in Nigeria are those resulting from lack of governments commitment and accountability to promises made. In addition, there is a need for proper documentation of deaths in order to provide accurate information about maternal deaths and help to channel resources where they are needed most.