In 2020, Nigeria accounted for more than a quarter (28.5%) of global maternal deaths, for a total of about 82,000. These avoidable deaths are particularly concentrated in hard-to-access rural and peri-urban areas with limited access to healthcare.
The state of Niger, like other states in northern Nigeria, is grappling with preventable maternal and child deaths. Amazingly, about 1 in 95 women in the state still die during pregnancy or childbirth. The report “Why Women Die During Childbirth in Nigeria” shows that inadequate staffing of health workers across the state contributes to the high mortality rate. Many health workers prefer state capitals to rural areas.
Of the more than 1,000 PHCs in Niger, 274 are the most beneficiaries of central facilities designed to provide 24-hour service. Basic Healthcare Delivery Fund BHCPF and Nicea – Niger Health Contribution Department. However, these improvements have not yet addressed disparities in service delivery. With the statewide adoption of revised national guidelines on maternal and perinatal mortality monitoring and response (MPCDSR), the need to discuss how the state of Niger intends to utilize these guidelines is rising. This initiative aims to strengthen accountability for maternal and child health, especially at the local level.
Nigeria Health Watch launched the Community Health Watch project to strengthen accountability in primary health care delivery. This effort includes monitoring and documenting healthcare availability in rural and urban areas. It will begin as a pilot in Niger in August 2021 and expand to Kano in April 2022. From August 2021 to April 2023, 57 reports have been issued, mainly from Niger. The project will compile content such as articles, images and videos captured in the community and shared through the Nigeria Health Watch platform to amplify the authentic experience of accessing health services.
Themes for the upcoming 2023 Nigeria Health Watch Primary Health Care Policy Dialogue “Strengthening community accountability mechanisms for quality primary care” – Spotlight on Niger” will be held in Sleja, Niger. The event brought together government officials such as the State Department of Health, the State Primary Health Care Development Authority (SPHCDA), representatives of the State Health Insurance scheme, BHCPF coordinators, health care providers, affiliates and associations to discuss potential relief efforts. Consider strategies and identify prospects for progress. , formulate actionable policy recommendations.
Policy dialogue is scheduled to take place on Monday 14 August 2023.
Attendees unable to attend the event in person are encouraged to register and attend online. here to attend.
About Nigeria Health Watch
Nigeria Health Watch aims to advocate for the health of Nigerians, engage and support governments and other partners in the development and implementation of positive and effective health policies, and hold dutyholders accountable for health. is a non-profit health communication and advocacy organization. We provide quality healthcare at affordable prices to Nigerians. Nigeria Health Watch’s unique competence lies in its communications expertise that allows it to provide solutions for evidence-based communications and advocacy in the medical field.
