Table of Contents
- Nigeria's Contribution to Global Maternal Deaths
- Progress in the Health Sector
- Government Initiatives for Healthcare Improvement
- Call to Action for Stakeholders
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has expressed renewed concern regarding Nigeria’s significant role in global maternal deaths, noting that the nation accounts for approximately fourteen percent of all such cases worldwide.
The minister made this statement on Thursday during his inaugural address at the second day of the 2025 Joint Annual Review Meeting in Abuja, themed "All Hands, One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light."
He mentioned that although Nigeria has made some strides in the health sector, these advancements are not keeping pace with the country’s rapidly expanding population and limited resources.
Referencing preliminary findings from the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the minister reported that the maternal mortality ratio has decreased to five hundred and twelve deaths per one hundred thousand live births, down from five hundred and seventy-six in 2018. Meanwhile, under-five mortality has fallen to one hundred and ten deaths per one thousand live births, down from one hundred and thirty-two.
Neonatal mortality now stands at forty-one deaths per one thousand live births.
He noted that skilled birth attendance has increased from forty-three to fifty-three percent, full immunization coverage has risen from thirty-one to thirty-nine percent, and modern contraceptive use among married women has reached twenty percent.
Dr. Salako described these figures as encouraging indicators of progress, but emphasized that there remains much work to be done. He pointed out that far too many Nigerian women continue to die during childbirth, too many children do not reach their fifth birthday, and numerous families are driven into poverty due to medical expenses.
He stated that the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s administration are part of the efforts aimed at strengthening and transforming the country’s healthcare system.
According to him, “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, fully aware of these challenges, is making concerted efforts in collaboration with state and local governments, development partners, and civil society to expedite progress and establish a health system that will effectively serve all Nigerians.”
The minister urged all stakeholders to intensify their efforts toward creating a reliable and sustainable healthcare system throughout the country.
He also reiterated government plans to enhance health financing, recruit more healthcare workers, and broaden access to health insurance for Nigerians.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of global maternal deaths does Nigeria account for?
Nigeria accounts for about fourteen percent of all global maternal deaths.
What improvements have been made in Nigeria's health sector?
There have been improvements in skilled birth attendance, full immunization coverage, and modern contraceptive use among married women.
What initiatives are being taken to improve healthcare in Nigeria?
The Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda are key initiatives aimed at transforming the healthcare system.
