Taraba, Kebbi, Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto are the states with the highest number of women who do not attend ante-natal care visits, according to data from across Nigeria’s 36 states.
This neglect poses a significant risk to both mothers and their babies, increasing the likelihood of severe obstetric and medical complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
Ante-natal care is critical for monitoring the health of pregnant women and their babies from the first trimester through delivery. Standard ante-natal care typically involves at least four visits to a hospital or primary health care centre during pregnancy.
These visits are essential for ensuring the well-being of both mother and child and improving pregnancy outcomes.
Data from the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) 2021 shows that the Northeastern region of Nigeria has the highest number of pregnant women with few or no ante-natal visits.
In contrast, the Southeastern region, including states like Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Edo, have the highest attendance rates for ante-natal care.
The state of infant mortality in Nigeria
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies infant mortality as a critical issue for women of reproductive age across Africa.
Infant mortality rates serve as key indicators of child survival and reflect the broader social, economic, and environmental conditions in which children live, including their access to healthcare.
Despite a declining trend over the last ten years, Nigeria’s infant mortality rate still remains above average. The rate decreased from 83.2 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2011 to 70.6 in 2021.
Nigeria among the rest of the world
Nigeria’s infant mortality rate stood at 55.2 deaths per 1,000 live births, making it the 12th highest in the world.
Other countries with similarly high rates include Afghanistan, Somalia, the Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Sierra Leone.
Importance of ante-natal care
Ante-natal improves the outcome of pregnancy and delivery. During the pregnancy period, an expectant mother receives care from the first through the third trimester of her pregnancy, including the time it takes until the baby is delivered,
Antenatal care is vital for ensuring the health of both mother and child. It involves regular check-ups by skilled healthcare providers, such as midwives, doctors, and nurses, who monitor the pregnancy and provide essential services.
These services include nutritional guidance, micronutrient supplementation, hypertension management to prevent eclampsia, and immunization against tetanus. Ante-natal care also offers HIV testing and treatment to prevent mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
What Expert Says
A Paediatrician at the Federal Medical Center Idi-aba, Abeokuta, Dr Tolulope Ige, says infant mortality is high, due to factors such as ignorance among pregnant women and neglect of postpartum care
Dr Ige added that some of the prominent cases of infant mortality include severe malaria, malnutrition, and measles, which are common causes of infant mortality, among other socio-economic factors.
‘’Health education is one approach to reducing infant mortality in Nigerian society. Members of the public, especially women of childbearing age, need to be enlightened and empowered to make life-saving decisions on their own without having to wait for their partners.’’
Dr. Ige emphasises the need for government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to implement advocacy and education programs that empower women of childbearing age.
‘’Health education is one approach to reducing infant mortality in Nigerian society. Members of the public, especially women of childbearing age, need to be enlightened and empowered to make life-saving decisions on their own without having to wait for their partners,’’ she explained.
She also stresses the importance of regular ante-natal visits to prevent complications before and after childbirth.
“As a medical personnel, I have seen cases where women cannot make important decisions that will affect the lives of their children until they see their men before they make decisions, and sometimes, the child’s health situation might have gotten worse,’’ Dr. Ige adds.