** Maternal mortality in Nigeria: a health emergency to be rethought collectively **
The death of one in 100 women during childbirth in Nigeria is a tragic statistic that draws attention to a public health crisis that has lasted for decades. According to a study coordinated by several UN agencies, the country represented in 2023 almost 29 % of maternal deaths worldwide, with an alarming figure estimated at 75,000 women who died in layers that year. A reality that raises questions, comprehensive nested around health systems, socio-cultural contexts and traditional practices.
In the maternity ward of a public hospital in Abuja, medical staff, like the Zainab midwife, resists with dedication to this problem. She evokes with passion the importance of her role, and while admitting the harshness of the statistics, she underlines the unshakable hope that her work brings every day. This dedication is also palpable in the testimonies of colleagues such as Daniella, who highlight the challenges they face on a daily basis: a lack of qualified personnel, adequate equipment, but above all the impact of cultural beliefs on the care path of pregnant women.
### Systemic challenges
Nigeria is assaulted by a series of systemic challenges. The first of them is the health system itself, which suffers from a lack of funding, infrastructure and human resources. The high mortality rate of women in layers exposes this problem in full light. It is undeniable that midwives and obstetricians show a remarkable commitment; However, the institutional support they receive is insufficient to meet the needs of patients.
This lack of reliable alternatives pushes many women to turn to traditional matters or practitioners of alternative medicine, often outside the medical framework. This raises a question: how to establish a balance between modern medicine and traditional practices that are anchored in community beliefs? It is crucial to initiate a respectful and constructive dialogue between health actors, communities, and traditional practitioners.
### A holistic approach
The solutions necessarily involve a holistic approach which is not limited to a series of technical interventions within hospitals. It is essential to develop prenatal education programs, emphasizing the importance of appropriate medical care before, during and after childbirth. Awareness can reduce the late consultation period of health establishments when complications occur.
Improving living conditions in rural areas, where access to care is even more limited, could also play an essential role. This would involve integrating economic development strategies, guaranteeing access to quality health services, and investing in continuous medical staff training.
### The role of the community
The community plays a fundamental role in the change of mentalities. A collective commitment, which includes not only health professionals, but also community and religious leaders, is essential to give women the means to make informed choices concerning their reproductive health.
Recent initiatives, such as the organization of women’s rights workshops and access to care, testify to the growing will of certain groups to make their voices heard and promote maternal health. Nevertheless, a cultural change does not occur overnight. It requires time, patience and continuous collaboration between all the actors concerned.
### Conclusion
The issue of maternal mortality in Nigeria is a considerable challenge, but it is also an opportunity for societal transformation. Far from being limited to a figure, each maternal death represents a life, unfinished dreams and an immeasurable loss for the family and society. By attacking this problem with compassion, listening and respect for traditional knowledge, it is possible to throw bridges towards better maternal health in Nigeria. Beyond the statistics, the ultimate objective must be to guarantee that each woman has access to quality care, and can give birth safely, surrounded by the care and the attention she deserves.