UNFPA Reveals Preventable Conditions Cause Maternal Deaths

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has identified that the majority of maternal deaths in Nigeria are associated with preventable clinical conditions, including Postpartum Hemorrhage, preeclampsia, and eclampsia. Musa Elisha, a Gender/Reproductive Health Specialist at UNFPA, made these statements during a two-day Capacity Strengthening Training for Journalists organized by the Ministry of Budget, Economic Planning and Multilateral Coordination in collaboration with UNFPA and Journalists for Public Health.

He noted that conditions like Sepsis, unsafe abortion, and obstetric embolism significantly contribute to maternal mortality. Nigeria accounts for 29% of the global maternal mortality burden, with rates concentrated in the northern regions due to gender inequality and lack of autonomy among women.

Elisha stressed the importance of media in tracking data and raising awareness about healthcare access, urging journalists to partner with community leaders to dismantle barriers and improve maternal and newborn healthcare services.