Experts at the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research (NIMR) have called on the government to implement a national maternal mortality and infant mortality audit, with mandatory autopsies for maternal deaths. They argue that such a move is essential to accurately determine the causes of death and develop effective preventive strategies.

Speaking at the institute’s monthly media chat, Director-General of NIMR, Prof. Oladapo Obafunwa questioned the reliability of current maternal mortality statistics in Nigeria. He emphasised the need for a legal framework mandating autopsies in maternal deaths to better understand the true causes and inform national health interventions.

“How exactly did we arrive at the maternal mortality statistics that Nigeria has today?” he queried. “We need a nationwide coronial law that mandates autopsies in such cases. Without proper investigations, we are only scratching the surface.”

Obafunwa noted that most available data on maternal deaths may be skewed, often derived from tertiary healthcare facilities where only the most critical cases are referred. “What are the chances of that woman dying? Of course, you have the problems of fistula formation.

“But many normal deliveries occur at secondary or primary care centres, or even with traditional birth attendants. These are rarely captured in official data,” he added.

He also highlighted systemic issues such as poor access to hospitals and the dangers women face en route to care, including quackery and infrastructural deficits.

“Some of these deaths are never investigated. Unfortunately, that aspect of maternal mortality cannot be executed in isolation. It must be a national effort,” he said.