The Federal Government, alongside key stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector, has called for increased investment in maternal healthcare and women’s empowerment to improve access to quality health services across the country.
This appeal was made in Abuja during the Womanhood Art Gala, an event organised by Nigeria Health Watch to highlight the challenges faced by women in accessing healthcare and the need for urgent interventions.
Urgent Need for Improved Maternal Health
Managing Director of Nigeria Health Watch, Vivianne Ihekweazu, emphasised the importance of ensuring that every woman, regardless of her background, has access to life-saving healthcare services. She noted that Nigeria still records one of the highest maternal mortality rates (MMR) globally, with over 1,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births—a stark contrast to the UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target of reducing global maternal mortality to fewer than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.
“This reality highlights the urgent need to ensure every woman has access to the care she needs to survive pregnancy and childbirth,” she said.
Women’s Health as an Economic Priority
Speaking at the event, Iyadunni Olubode, the Director of MSD for Mothers, Nigeria and Kenya, stressed that investing in women’s health is not just a social issue but also an economic necessity. She pointed out that women play a crucial role in economic growth, and improving their access to quality healthcare directly impacts the well-being of families and communities.
Similarly, Dr Zainab Bagudu, founder of the Medicaid Cancer Foundation and wife of the former Kebbi State governor, reiterated the need to empower women in all aspects of life. She highlighted the disproportionate burden women bear in their families and communities.
“When you empower a woman, you empower the community and the nation,” she said.
Art as a Tool for Maternal Health Advocacy
Also speaking at the event, the Director General of the National Gallery of Arts, Ahmed Bashir, represented by the Director of Educational Services, Janefrances Gbujie, underscored the importance of using art to advocate for maternal health.
“Harnessing the power of art to spotlight maternal healthcare is crucial, as maternal health is a key indicator of a society’s overall well-being,” he stated.
The Call for Policy Action and Increased Funding
Health experts at the gathering called on the government to increase budgetary allocations to maternal health services, strengthen healthcare infrastructure, and expand access to quality care, particularly in rural areas where maternal mortality remains a major concern.
With Nigeria accounting for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, stakeholders stress that urgent action is needed to reverse this trend and ensure that no woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related complications.
