Health experts have raised an alarm that Nigeria has failed to exit the “very high mortality phase” for maternal and child health in more than two decades, despite numerous programmes aimed at reducing preventable deaths.
The warning was issued on Monday at a webinar convened by Development Governance International Consult (DGI Consult) under the theme: “Financing Maternal and Child Death-Crashing Interventions: Achieving Scale, Scope and Sustainability for Impact.”
Prof. Charles Ameh of the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine said Nigeria’s maternal health statistics remain among the worst globally, blaming poor investment and weak systems for the country’s lack of progress.
“Nigeria has remained in the very high mortality phase for two decades. To break out, there must be deliberate investment, equitable health workforce distribution, and the use of digital innovations to deliver timely care,” Ameh said.
Other speakers noted that while the government has rolled out several initiatives, including the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), results have been undermined by poor financing and fragmented implementation.
Dr. Gafar Alawode, Chief Executive Officer of DGI Consult, described Nigeria’s approach to maternal and child health as “fragmented and siloed,” adding that “the MAMII initiative seeks to bridge gaps through integrated, large-scale approaches.”
The Lead of MAMII, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, disclosed that the programme is focusing on 172 local government areas that account for more than half of maternal deaths nationwide. He outlined measures being pursued, including enrolling more women in health insurance schemes, expanding emergency obstetric care, and integrating traditional birth attendants into referral systems.
“This ensures quick responses to complications, ultimately saving more mothers’ and children’s lives,” Adeyanju explained.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, shared reforms from his state that have reduced maternal deaths, citing health insurance expansion, stronger supply chains, and evidence-based policy reviews. “Other states must learn from what has worked in Ekiti and replicate it,” he urged.
Development partners also pressed for accountability in health financing. UNICEF’s representative, Dr. Sachin Bhokare, said: “Sustainable financing must focus on expanding health insurance coverage for poor households while ensuring accountability and transparency in spending.”
Dr. Olufunke Fasawe of the Clinton Health Access Initiative underscored the need for integrated solutions that combine workforce training with wider system reforms. Civil society leader Chief Moji Makanjuola stressed that community engagement is vital to driving political will. “Citizen engagement is critical to making health a political priority. Communities must be included in decision-making to ensure policies reflect real healthcare needs,” she said.
The meeting, which drew participants from government, academia, and development organisations, ended with a collective call for Nigeria to urgently strengthen governance and funding frameworks if it is to prevent further avoidable maternal and child deaths.
“Maternal and child health affects everyone. Only through coordinated, well-financed, and accountable interventions can Nigeria achieve measurable progress,” participants concluded.
