Table of Contents
- Concern Over Maternal Deaths
- Progress in Health Sector
- Health Statistics
- Health Initiatives
- Call to Action
The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, has expressed renewed concern regarding Nigeria’s significant contribution to global maternal deaths, noting that the country is responsible 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 advancements in the health sector, these improvements are not keeping pace with the nation’s rapidly increasing population and limited resources.
Referencing the preliminary findings of the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, the minister indicated that the maternal mortality ratio has decreased to five hundred and twelve deaths per one hundred thousand live births from five hundred and seventy-six in 2018. Additionally, under-five mortality has fallen to one hundred and ten deaths per one thousand live births from one hundred and thirty-two.
Neonatal mortality currently stands at forty-one deaths per one thousand live births.
He added that the percentage of skilled birth attendance has risen from forty-three to fifty-three percent, full immunization coverage has improved from thirty-one to thirty-nine percent, and the use of modern contraceptives among married women has reached twenty percent.
Dr. Salako described these figures as encouraging signs of progress but emphasized that there remains much work to be done. He pointed out that too many Nigerian women continue to lose their lives during childbirth, too many children do not survive past their fifth birthday, and too many families are driven into poverty due to medical expenses.
He stated that the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu’s administration are part of the efforts to strengthen and transform the nation’s healthcare system.
According to him, “The government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully aware of these challenges and is making concerted efforts, in partnership with state and local governments, development partners, and civil society, to accelerate progress and deliver a health system that will optimally serve all Nigerians.”
The minister urged all stakeholders to increase their efforts in building a reliable and sustainable healthcare system across the country.
He also reaffirmed the government’s plans to enhance health financing, recruit more healthcare workers, and expand access to health insurance for all 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?
Improvements include a reduction in maternal mortality ratio, increased skilled birth attendance, and enhanced immunization coverage.
What initiatives is the Nigerian government implementing to improve healthcare?
The Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative and the Renewed Hope Agenda aim to strengthen and transform the healthcare system.
