BY RITA OYIBOKA
More than 800 women lose their lives each day in Nigeria due to preventable pregnancy-related complications.
This was revealed by the Reproductive Health Programme Manager of Delta State, Dr. Weyimi Francis during a stakeholder consultative dialogue organised by the United Nations Women Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Coordination Mechanism Platform.
The event, held recently in Asaba brought together representatives from leading women-focused organisations, including the Professional Women’s Association of Nigeria (PROWAN), the Forum of African Women Educationists Nigeria (FAWE), the Women’s Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (WOWICAN), and the Federation of Muslim Women’s Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN).
According to Dr. Francis, “In Nigeria, 800 women lose their lives during pregnancy, childbirth, or labour. These deaths should not be happening. Safe motherhood is not a privilege, it is a fundamental human right. Women must have access to quality antenatal care, safe labour and delivery services, and postnatal care.
“The World Health Organisation (WHO) now speaks of a ‘positive pregnancy experience,’ meaning a woman should feel safe, supported, and dignified throughout pregnancy and childbirth. Gone are the days when women were berated in labour wards, ordered to ‘push’ without compassion. We are transforming the system to ensure women receive respectful and professional care.” The Public Health Official further stressed that free maternal healthcare services were available in Delta State calling on women to stay and keep others informed. “Maternal healthcare is free for women and children under five in Delta. There is no reason for these numbers to persist. Every delivery should be handled by trained professionals. Statistics show that more women die under the care of traditional birth attendants than in hospitals. “Delta State will not tolerate preventable maternal deaths. It is up to us, as women, to spread awareness. You are the voices of Delta women, of Nigerian women. You must ensure that every woman knows she has the right to proper healthcare,” she said.
She further advocated for family planning as a key strategy in reducing maternal deaths lauding the state for its strides in promoting family planning. “In Delta State, family planning services are free for all women, regardless of their marital status or age.”
Beyond maternal health, Dr. Francis called for stronger advocacy against gender-based violence, ovarian and breast cancer, and sexually transmitted infections, including HIV.
“We must work together to dismantle the barriers preventing women from accessing quality healthcare. Women have the right to decide the number and spacing of their children. They have the right to prioritise their health and well-being. The time for action is now. Let us stand together and demand the rights we deserve.”
