Maternal Mortality: Nigeria’s Nurses Bear the Brunt

Nurses and Midwives: The Unsung Heroes of Nigeria’s Healthcare System Struggle to Combat Alarming Maternal Mortality Rates

Nigeria’s healthcare system is facing a critical challenge, with maternal mortality rates remaining alarmingly high, particularly among women of reproductive age. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio stands at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, ranking the country among those with the highest maternal deaths globally. The 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey reported 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, a figure that remains unacceptably high.

At the forefront of this battle are nurses and midwives, who account for over 20% of the country’s licensed professional health workforce. They are often the first point of contact for women during pregnancy and childbirth, especially in rural and underserved communities. However, experts argue that equipping these healthcare professionals with essential obstetric skills is crucial to improving access to timely and quality care for pregnant women.

Dr Idara Umoette, Founder of Birth Safe Nigeria, emphasizes that empowering nurses and midwives with advanced skills for early identification and management of obstetric emergencies would significantly improve pregnancy and foetal outcomes. “In many instances, the first responders women turn to are nurses and midwives. It therefore makes sense that they should be well equipped and empowered, with their skills continually sharpened, to deliver effective interventions that keep women and babies alive,” she said.

The need for targeted training is underscored by data from the 2025 Nigeria Health Statistics Report, which showed an estimated 20,811 maternal, neonatal, and under-five deaths recorded between January and September 2025. Umoette notes that gaps in emergency obstetric care remain a major contributor to preventable maternal deaths. “We want fewer stories of women dying in labour, fewer babies born with disabilities, and more families saved from avoidable loss,” she added.

Lordfred Achu, Technical Specialist for Reproductive and Maternal Health at UNFPA Nigeria, highlights the need for women’s empowerment and stronger health systems to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. Speaking at the 66th National Council on Health meeting, Achu emphasized that shortages and uneven distribution of skilled health personnel continue to undermine maternal health outcomes.

Breastfeeding specialist Mercy Agbagwa describes maternal mortality as a national crisis requiring urgent and coordinated action. She highlights the role of breast pumps in reducing postpartum haemorrhage by stimulating uterine contractions after childbirth. “Maternal mortality is a serious problem in our country, and our focus must remain on the well-being of women and children,” she said.

As Nigeria grapples with these challenges, experts urge policymakers to prioritize the empowerment of nurses and midwives, ensuring they have the necessary skills and resources to provide quality care. The stakes are high, and the time for action is now.