UNICEF Sounds Alarm as Nigeria Faces One Maternal Death Every Seven Minutes

(Woman During Childbirth. Photo by TIME)

UNICEF has raised alarm over Nigeria's deteriorating maternal mortality situation, revealing that a woman loses her life every seven minutes during childbirth in the country.

The disclosure was made by the UNICEF Chief of the Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku Butichi, on Friday in Maiduguri, during the symbolic handover of WASHFIT supplies to health facilities in Borno State.

He attributed the alarming rate of maternal deaths to poor hygiene conditions, inadequate infection prevention systems, and unsafe environments prevalent in many healthcare facilities across the country.

Butichi emphasized that health facilities, especially those in fragile and conflict-affected areas, serve as a critical first line of defence against disease outbreaks and public health crises.

He explained that the WASHFIT initiative is specifically designed to address these shortcomings by strengthening infection prevention and control measures, improving access to clean water, promoting proper hygiene practices, and enhancing the management of healthcare waste.

He further stressed that upgrading healthcare environments would translate directly into safer childbirth outcomes, improved service delivery for patients, and better working conditions for healthcare workers.

Butichi reaffirmed UNICEF's dedication to partnering with the Borno State Government in its efforts to build a stronger health system and better protect the lives of women and children across the state.