Nigeria falls among an undesirable list of countries estimated to have the highest maternal mortality ratio in 2017 with approximately 67,000 maternal deaths. This translates to 23% of global maternal deaths.
Every day in 2017, approximately 810 women died from preventable causes related to pregnancy and childbirth. This is about one woman every two minutes. For every woman who dies, an estimated 20 or 30 encounter injuries, infections or disabilities. Most of these deaths and injuries are entirely preventable – WHO, 2019 .
The risk of maternal mortality is highest for adolescent girls under 15 years old, and complications in pregnancy and childbirth are higher among adolescent girls age 10-19, compared to women aged 20-24 – WHO, 2019
We are committed to improving the health of pregnant women, mothers and children aged five and below in Nigeria. We aim to achieve this by educating pregnant women so they can make informed healthy decision, access quality maternal care services, and counter negative cultural beliefs and practices; providing nutritional and psychological support before, during and after pregnancy; providing technical assistance to health workers; and equipping mothers with parental skills.
Our goal is to support a healthy pregnancy and safe birth that leads to a positive pregnancy experience, and a lifetime of benefits and prosperity for the health of the mother, child(ren), family, community, and the nation at large.
FAQs On Maternal and Child Health
World Health Organization recommends a woman see her health provider at least 8 times during her pregnancy to detect and manage potential problems and reduce the likelihood of a stillbirth or neonatal death.
Yes. Antenatal care offers an opportunity for healthcare providers to provide a range of support to pregnant women, provide information on healthy lifestyles and disease prevention, and family planning. It also provides an opportunity to evaluate health risks to mother and baby, and provide early detection and treatment if problems arise.
- Alcohol.
- Cigarette smoke.
- Toxic fumes.
- Auto accidents.
- Excess caffeine.
Sudden swelling.
Bleeding.
Leaking or gushing fluids.
Fever.
Pain, burning on urination.
Premature labour.
WHO and UNICEF recommend that children initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth and be exclusively breastfed for the first 6 months of life – meaning no other foods or liquids are provided including water – with continued breastfeeding along with appropriate complementary foods up to 2 years of age or longer thereafter.
Infants should be breastfed on demand – that is as often as the child wants, day and night. No bottles, teats or pacifiers should be used. From the age of 6 months, children should begin eating safe and adequate complementary foods while continuing to breastfeed for up to 2 years and beyond
Breastfeeding is good for both infants and mothers. Breastfeeding is one of the most effective ways to ensure child health and survival. Breastmilk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean and contains antibodies which help protect against many common childhood illnesses. Breastmilk provides all the energy and nutrients that the infant needs for the first months of life, and it continues to provide up to half or more of a child’s nutritional needs during the second half of the first year, and up to one third during the second year of life.
Breastfed children perform better on intelligence tests, are less likely to be overweight or obese and less prone to diabetes later in life. Women who breastfeed also have a reduced risk of breast and ovarian cancers.
Infants who are breastfed have lower risk of asthma, obesity, type 1 diabetes, severe lower respiratory disease, acute otitis media (ear infections), sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting), Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) for preterm infants
Mothers who breastfeed their infants have a lower risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure. You can visit CDC’s Infant and Toddler Nutrition