A woman dies every seven minutes during childbirth in Nigeria, amounting to 75,000 maternal deaths annually, nearly 30% of the global total.
This stark reality formed the core message at Wednesday’s Safe Motherhood Day event in Damaturu, where UNICEF and the Yobe state government launched the distribution of 3, 237 Mamakits to pregnant and nursing mothers.
Speaking at Gwange Primary Health Facility under the theme “Equity in Maternal Health Care: Leaving No Mother Behind,” UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office Chief, Mr. Francis Butichi, described the statistic as deeply troubling but reversible.
“These aren’t mere figures, they represent women, daughters, parents, spouses, siblings whose lives are abruptly ended during times meant for celebration. This ought to offend us all,” said Butichi.
He said the Mamakits, funded by Canada, contain essential items to reduce infection and complications during childbirth, particularly for women in remote and high-risk areas.
Butichi stated that supplies alone are insufficient, robust healthcare, capable personnel, transport routes, and public participation are also vital.
Receiving the kits on behalf of the Yobe state government, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, Dr. Mohammed Lawan Gana, noted that Yobe has provided free maternal and child healthcare for nearly 20 years.