The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed a disturbing maternal health crisis in Borno State, where one woman reportedly dies every eight minutes during childbirth. The agency attributes these deaths to largely preventable complications and systemic delays in accessing timely and quality healthcare.
Speaking at the launch of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), UNICEF’s Chief of Field Office in Maiduguri, Francis Busiku Butichi, emphasized that most of these maternal deaths result from delays in decision-making, inadequate transportation to health facilities, and poor response upon arrival. He described the situation as deeply troubling, noting that these women are more than just statistics—they are vital members of their families and communities.
As part of efforts to reduce these fatalities, UNICEF distributed 3,700 “Mama Kits” containing clean delivery essentials to pregnant women across rural areas and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps. These kits are expected to support safer deliveries, especially for women who may not have access to formal health services.
The initiative also includes sensitizing traditional leaders and health officials to encourage women to seek skilled birth attendance. UNICEF reiterated its commitment to working closely with the Borno State Ministry of Health to strengthen healthcare delivery, improve data systems, and expand life-saving interventions across the state.
This alarming maternal mortality rate highlights the urgent need for greater investment in maternal health, especially in conflict-affected regions like Borno, where access to quality care remains a critical challenge.
