Nigeria’s Maternal Health Transformation: A 50% Drop in Deaths – What’s Next?
Nigeria has seen a remarkable 50% reduction in maternal deaths within health facilities, falling from 904 in 2024 to 460 in 2025, according to the 2025 State of the Health of the Nation Report released by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This significant progress, linked to expanded access to skilled maternity care, improved referral systems, and a nationwide scale-up of emergency obstetric services, offers a beacon of hope for women’s health in the country.
The Impact of Expanded Emergency Care
A key driver of this improvement has been the expansion of the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) programme. Over 20,000 women received CEmONC services in 2025 as the programme broadened its reach across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. This life-saving treatment addresses severe pregnancy and childbirth complications, a major contributor to maternal mortality.
Alongside CEmONC, the State Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System (SEMSAS) and the Rural Emergency Service and Maternal Transport (RESMAT) programmes have played a crucial role. SEMSAS supported 26,431 obstetric emergencies, while RESMAT assisted 34,331 women and newborns, strengthening referral systems and improving the capacity of health facilities to manage complications.
Beyond Facility-Based Care: Addressing the Wider Picture
While the decline in facility-based deaths is encouraging, Nigeria continues to bear a substantial burden of global maternal deaths, particularly those linked to postpartum haemorrhage. Investigations by PREMIUM TIMES have highlighted gaps in primary healthcare infrastructure and delayed emergency referrals, especially in underserved communities like Makoko and Bariga in Lagos, where women often face significant challenges accessing timely care.
The Role of Skilled Birth Attendance and Antenatal Care
Increased skilled birth attendance – now at 86.3% – and a rise in the proportion of women completing at least four antenatal visits (from 22.2% to 28.7%) are also contributing factors. These improvements reflect greater access to trained health professionals during childbirth and increased engagement with preventative care.
Challenges Remain: Child Health and Data Quality
The report isn’t solely positive. Facility-based deaths among children under five increased from 1,991 in 2024 to 2,268 in 2025. However, this increase is attributed to data quality issues identified during a fact-finding exercise, suggesting a need for improved data collection and reporting mechanisms.
Future Trends and Opportunities
Building on this momentum, several key trends are likely to shape the future of maternal health in Nigeria:
- Increased Investment in Primary Healthcare: Strengthening primary healthcare facilities, particularly in rural areas, will be crucial for early detection and management of pregnancy complications.
- Leveraging Technology: Telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth) solutions can extend access to care, particularly for women in remote communities.
- Community Health Worker Programs: Expanding the role of community health workers in providing antenatal care, promoting safe delivery practices, and offering postnatal support.
- Strengthened Supply Chains: Ensuring a reliable supply of essential medicines and equipment, including blood products for managing postpartum haemorrhage.
- Improved Data Systems: Investing in robust data collection and analysis systems to accurately track maternal mortality rates and identify areas for improvement.
FAQ
Q: What is CEmONC?
A: Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care provides life-saving treatment for women experiencing severe pregnancy and childbirth complications.
Q: What is the current maternal mortality rate in Nigeria?
A: While the number of facility-based deaths has decreased, Nigeria still carries a significant share of the global burden of maternal deaths.
Q: What is being done to improve access to care in rural areas?
A: Programs like RESMAT are working to assist women and newborns in rural areas, and expansion of CEmONC is ongoing nationwide.
Did you know? Nigeria contributes the largest number of maternal deaths globally linked to postpartum haemorrhage.
Pro Tip: Regular antenatal visits are crucial for monitoring your health and identifying potential complications during pregnancy.
This progress represents a significant step forward for maternal health in Nigeria. Continued investment, innovation, and a commitment to equitable access to care will be essential to build on these gains and ensure a healthier future for all Nigerian women.
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