As Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Health Day 2025, health experts are calling for intensified policy implementation to tackle high rates of maternal and newborn deaths
Issues now in the spotlight under this year’s theme: Maternal and Newborn Health.
According to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report, Nigeria remains among the countries with the highest under-five and neonatal mortality rates globally—recording approximately 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. The leading causes, including birth asphyxia, neonatal sepsis, pneumonia, and complications from premature births, are largely preventable with timely and adequate healthcare.
Despite ongoing efforts from government and development partners, challenges such as poor funding, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and deep-rooted socio-cultural barriers continue to threaten child survival, particularly in rural and underserved communities.
A case in point is the Primary Health Centre in Takushara, Abuja Municipal Area Council. While designed to provide critical maternal and child health services, the facility faces reduced patronage due to cultural concerns around male health workers and was recently closed due to a staff strike. Community Health Extension Worker, Zainab Adamu, urged the government to intervene urgently, providing both manpower and essential amenities.
Speaking earlier this year at a UNICEF media dialogue in Port Harcourt, UNICEF Health Manager, Dr. Martin Dohlsten, revealed that 32% of newborn deaths in Nigeria occur within the first 28 days of life. He noted that only 46% of Nigerian women deliver with the assistance of trained professionals, calling this a major gap in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for maternal and child health.
Dr. Dohlsten emphasized the need for holistic policy reforms centered on nutrition, education, skilled birth attendance, and equitable access to healthcare.
Responding to these concerns, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to the President on Health, stated that a national strategy is now in motion to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality across the country.
In November 2024, the Federal Ministry of Health launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII). Through MAMII, free caesarean sections are now provided to vulnerable and low-income women nationwide.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate, announced that ₦1.5 trillion from the Human Capital Opportunities for Prosperity and Equity (HOPE) project will be deployed to strengthen healthcare delivery and ensure mothers and children are not excluded due to geography or poverty.
The government has also intensified efforts to address obstetric fistula, a debilitating condition caused by prolonged obstructed labour. Free emergency obstetric and VVF repair surgeries are now available in 154 designated facilities across Nigeria. Prof. Pate assured that these centres are equipped with skilled personnel and modern equipment.
Highlighting progress under the Fistula Care Initiative, the Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, disclosed that over 1,629 women have received life-changing surgical repairs since June 2024, with additional support to address their post-surgery reintegration needs.
To close the healthcare access gap, the Ministry of Health has also rolled out a national training programme for healthcare workers, particularly in rural communities. According to the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, 842 new health facilities were completed in 2024, with 3,000 more under construction.
Dr. Aina also noted that efforts to improve vaccine uptake for infants and young children are being scaled up nationwide.
As stakeholders commemorate World Health Day, Nigerians are watching closely to see whether federal, state, and local governments will sustain these interventions and overcome long-standing challenges—including the brain drain and “japa” syndrome plaguing the health sector.
The hope is that every Nigerian child will be given a fighting chance at life—starting from birth.
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