[afro-nets] Why Should Women Die in the Process of Giving Birth?

["Hajiya Bilkisu" <yettoreinitiatives@yahoo.com>]

Why Should Women Die in the Process of Giving Birth?
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About 800 women out of every 100,000 die in the process of giving birth to other Nigerians. This figure masks wide regional disparities which range from 339 per 100,000 live births in the Southwest to 1,716 per 100,000 live births in the North East as indicated by the presentation from a recent study on Maternal Mortality Situation and Determinants in Nigeria. Furthermore other RH indices are also dismal; the CPR is 8.9%, total fertility rate of 5. HIV / AIDS prevalence is 5%. 
   
Estimated number of women dying is 52,000 per annum 
? 4,400 maternal deaths per month
? For every maternal death 16 ? 20 women suffer debilitating complications.

Maternal Mortality is the single most important health issue facing the obstetricians and gynecologists  and Nigerian people.

Maternal Mortality Ratio Hospital Data (SOGON 2004) 

? Kano    7523 per 100,000 live-births 
? Enugu   809 per 100,000 live-births
? Plateau 846 per 100,000 live-births
? Cross River 2977 per 100,000 live-births
? Lagos   3380 per 100,000 live-births

THE REASONS

The reasons adduced for Nigeria?s poor R.H profile are complex and include:
  a). Non-recognition at the highest political levels that we have a major problem that put us out of phase with development.
  b). Weak health systems
  c). Poverty 
  d). Weakness in development issues 
  e). Poor leadership
  f). Poor/implementation of signed conventions due to cultural and religious prejudices
  g). General ignorance on RH issues and their impact on development
   
ECONOMIC LOSSES

If no interventions are implemented; 
?  Colossal loss in productivity will be recorded.
?  About 341 million US dollars (39 billion) Naira due to maternal death.
?  1.9 billion US dollars (217 billion naira) due to reduced productivity resulting from maternal disabilities

RECOMMENDATIONS 

? Maternal and newborn health should be made a high priority on the agenda of the Nigerian Government and other partners in development.
? All obstetric emergencies must be treated free for the first 24 hours and there after.
? Government, at all levels, should allocate at least 15 percent of the total annual budget to health.  Of this budget, at least 10 percent should be committed to reproductive health services;
? Public/Private Partnership should be encouraged and corporate bodies should devote some resources to promoting reproductive health

Hajiya Bilkisu Mni,
AdvocacyNigeria ,
HERFON Building 10 Sakono Street opposite AP Plaza Wuse 11 
Abuja, Nigeria
Tel: +09-4618496 
E-Mail: advocacyng@yahoo.com