Maternal Healthcare Key to Reducing Child Mortality in Nigeria

Dr. Zeenat Abdullahi Mondai, an obstetrician gynecologist, asserts that the fight against child mortality in Nigeria must prioritize maternal healthcare. She notes that according to Nigeria's latest demographic health survey, 110 out of every 1,000 children die before reaching their fifth birthday, placing Nigeria among the countries with the highest child mortality rates globally.

Dr. Abdullahi explains that maternal health during pregnancy and postpartum care is crucial for ensuring proper nutrition and early detection of health concerns for infants. She highlights that despite progress in safe delivery, many families face challenges such as distance to clinics and lack of clean water, which contribute to diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea, and malaria.

Furthermore, she points out that two mothers may leave the hospital healthy, but a month later, their newborns may not survive due to inconsistent access to ongoing care.