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Accessing healthcare: An arduous journey for pregnant women in northwest Nigeria
Accessing healthcare: An arduous journey for pregnant women in northwest Nigeria
By: Michael Mike
In the bustling emergency ward of Jahun General Hospital’s maternity department, the rhythm of activity beats with urgency and determination, like a pulse in the air. In this hospital, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) collaborates with the Jigawa state Ministry of Health to provide comprehensive emergency obstetrics and newborn care and fistula care. Since commencing services in 2008, MSF teams have assisted 90,000 deliveries.
Nigeria is the third country in the world, after South Sudan and Chad, where a woman is most likely to die giving birth, according to the World Health Organisation. With an average of more than 1,000 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births each year, Nigeria is far from the global target for 2030 of less than 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, as set under the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Maternal mortality rates far exceed the country average in northern Nigeria, where more than half of the country’s estimated 200 million people live. In Jigawa state, the most significant factor is the limited access pregnant women have to antenatal care and delivery care for complications in childbirth, which frequently occur.
Unity Enuebuke, MSF Nursing Activity Manager, has been working in Jahun General Hospital for more than 10 years. “We see a lot of women with serious complications, with the most common ones being anaemia, haemorrhage and eclampsia,” she explains. The high number of patients means the maternity wards are often fully occupied, if not over capacity. Unity says, “We regularly have up to two women sharing a bed, and depending on the type of complications we see, things can escalate very quickly.”
Ramatu
Ramatu, a mother of two, suffered life-threatening eclampsia—seizures due to high blood pressure—when she delivered her first baby in Jahun hospital. This is her second time here, overcoming the considerable distance from home. “I live five hours away from Jahun General Hospital. There is no hospital where I live, and the closest one does not open at night,” she explains. In Jigawa state, many of the estimated 749 primary healthcare centres do not have the drugs, healthcare workers and medical equipment to serve the thousands of women of childbearing age, despite efforts from public health authorities, the current healthcare infrastructure does not come close to meeting the needs of the population.
This dire situation leaves pregnant women who want to attend a healthcare facility with limited choices such as giving birth at home, and if complications arise, embarking on a treacherous journey to try to reach one that is functioning.
It is also not enough that healthcare facilities are available, they must also be affordable. The economic reality in this region, worsened by soaring inflation rates, makes it difficult for people to afford hospital fees, drugs or even transportation to health facilities.
The result is that women become hesitant to go to the hospital, preferring to give birth at home with the help of more affordable traditional birth attendants, hence increasing the risk of experiencing complications.
Khadijah
Women have given birth at home for centuries, but mother’s and baby’s survival can hinge on preparing and planning for managing complications, which may also occur without warning. In Jigawa state, health professionals and facility-based delivery rates remain low with up to around 80% of deliveries occurring at home.
Nurse Unity says, “Most times, family members don’t bring the mother to the hospital until they see that the baby is not coming out and the mother herself is having seizures.”
Khadijah, a 58-year-old traditional birth attendant in Aujara community, Jigawa state, understands the value of hospital care if she can’t manage a complication, but has experienced women’s hesitation firsthand. “Some women take my advice when I say they should go to the hospital, while some refuse to go to the hospital because they say that they are used to giving birth at home.”
In many communities in Jigawa state, pregnant women often require permission from their husband or mothers-in-law to visit hospital. This practice is compounded by a trend of early marriage, at an age when women are not fully informed about pregnancy and are not physically ready to carry a child.
Khadijah explains that for some, “it is their husbands that prevent them from going to the hospital. Some men don’t see the relevance of antenatal care, while others don’t want another man to treat their wives.”
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What needs to be done?
To tackle maternal mortality, a multitude of factors must be addressed. State authorities and international organisations must scale up their activities and increase funding to healthcare in the region, ensuring that budget allocations for primary healthcare centres are properly utilised and thorough planning and strict implementation processes are in place. In 2023, MSF teams assisted 15,754 deliveries, performed 1,911 caesarean sections and completed 43,785 antenatal consultations. Yet, it is still a drop in the ocean when looking at the needs of women in Jigawa state.
Primary healthcare facilities, which are often the first point where pregnant women seek healthcare, need to be equipped with trained personnel, equipment and resources to manage childbirth-related complications. “Eighty two percent of the cases we receive at Jahun General Hospital are complicated cases that could have been prevented at the primary healthcare level.” says Abdulwahab Mohamed, MSF medical coordinator. “Women, especially those of childbearing age, also have to be informed about their health and wellbeing through health empowerment programmes led by state authorities or other health stakeholders”.
Pregnant women must be encouraged to go for antenatal care where they can be informed about their pregnancy journey and what to expect. Efforts must be made to mitigate cultural practices that hinder women from seeking care in medical facilities. Women should be allowed agency and given freedom to make decisions for their health.
MSF supports the Jigawa state Ministry of Health in providing comprehensive emergency obstetrics and newborn care. Our support started with vesicovaginal fistula repair in 2008, however, the project evolved into a 161-bed facility to care for pregnant women and newborns experiencing complications. MSF teams also provide maternal and neonatal healthcare in the states of Kano, Benue, Cross River, Zamfara and will open a large maternity hospital in Maiduguri in June 2024.
Accessing healthcare: An arduous journey for pregnant women in northwest Nigeria
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening South–South cooperation and expanding bilateral relations, as officials, diplomats, and subnational leaders gathered in Abuja to mark the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
Speaking at the event, Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Iran’s journey since 1979 and to strengthen partnerships with friendly nations like Nigeria.
“The Islamic Revolution of Iran was not merely a transfer of political power; it marked the beginning of national sovereignty, popular governance, and the restoration of the dignity and independence of the Iranian nation,” he said.
Raja highlighted Iran’s achievements over the past four decades despite regional and global challenges, citing progress in science and technology, healthcare, industrial production, infrastructure, and non-oil exports. He also emphasized Iran’s commitment to balanced diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateralism, positioning the country as a responsible actor on regional and global stages.
On bilateral relations, Raja noted that Nigeria held a strategic position in Iran’s Africa policy, while Iran’s expertise in energy, industry, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and education made it a reliable partner for Nigeria’s development goals. “The deepening of friendly relations between Iran and Nigeria will not only serve the national interests of both countries but will also strengthen South–South cooperation and contribute to global peace and development,” he said.
Representing the Nigerian government, Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman, Director of the Regions Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed goodwill to Iran on the anniversary. He acknowledged the growth of economic ties between the two nations in sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods, highlighting opportunities for further diversification under South–South cooperation.
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated three Nigerians of global acclaim — Shaboozey, Tyler, the Creator, and Cynthia Erivo — on their landmark victories at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dabiri-Erewa described the Grammy wins as a moment of immense pride for Nigeria, noting that the achievements underscore the far-reaching impact of Nigerian talent and heritage on the world’s biggest cultural stages.
She said the success of Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze; Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma; and award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, born Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo, reflects the creativity, resilience and excellence deeply rooted in Nigerian identity.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, their recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious music awards goes beyond individual accomplishment, representing a collective celebration of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent across the global diaspora.
She also acknowledged the continued global influence of Nigeria-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Wizkid, whose works have helped elevate Nigerian music and culture on the international stage.
The NiDCOM boss stressed that despite being based abroad, the Grammy-winning artistes remain unmistakably Nigerian in heritage, family history and cultural identity, adding that their success continues to amplify Nigeria’s rich cultural footprint worldwide.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as well as the media and cultural institutions, to embrace a more inclusive definition of national pride — one that recognises Nigerian excellence wherever it emerges.
She noted that celebrating the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora strengthens national unity, enhances Nigeria’s global image and serves as inspiration to younger generations aspiring to make their mark internationally.
The 2026 Grammy Awards saw several milestones for artistes of Nigerian heritage, further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in global music and entertainment.
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
ECOWAS Launches Women’s Economic Empowerment and Digital Peacebuilding Pilot in Benue
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a pilot initiative aimed at strengthening economic empowerment and digital peacebuilding among women in Benue State, as part of efforts to address the prolonged humanitarian and displacement crisis in North-Central Nigeria.
The project, implemented through ECOWAS’ Directorate of Trade and the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs in partnership with the Benue State Government, targets women-led community-based organisations working on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in conflict-affected communities.
The launch coincided with the start of a five-day capacity-building programme running from February 9 to 13, featuring a Training of Trainers (ToT) for 12 participants drawn from community-based organisations, civil society groups and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
The trained participants are expected to cascade the knowledge through step-down sessions that will reach at least 60 women and girls in selected IDP camps and host communities across the state.
The initiative responds to the persistent displacement and humanitarian challenges in Benue State and aligns with the state’s Durable Solutions Action Plan, which prioritizes sustainable reintegration of displaced persons through livelihood recovery, peacebuilding and community resilience.
ECOWAS said the pilot recognises the critical role played by women-led grassroots organizations in mobilising communities, promoting social cohesion and advancing peace in areas affected by conflict. The project is designed to strengthen their institutional capacity while equipping conflict-affected women and girls with practical economic and digital skills.
Anchored in ECOWAS Vision 2050, the Trade and Gender Action Plan and the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy (2023), the pilot integrates economic empowerment, digital literacy and digital peacebuilding through a cascade training model. Trained WPS organizations will deliver step-down sessions directly within IDP camps and host communities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ECOWAS Director Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe described the initiative as a strategic intervention that empowers women-led organizations to drive durable solutions at the grassroots while harnessing digital tools to promote inclusion, resilience and peace.
She noted that strengthening women’s economic agency and digital capacity is essential to building sustainable peace in fragile and displacement-affected communities.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Barrister Aber Serumum Deborah, commended ECOWAS for the initiative, saying it would reinforce grassroots peacebuilding efforts and enhance women’s participation in implementing the state’s Durable Solutions Action Plan.
According to her, the project will also contribute to livelihood recovery for women and girls affected by conflict, while strengthening community ownership of peace and reintegration processes.
The pilot will be implemented over a two-month period, beginning with preparation and adaptation of training modules, followed by training delivery, monitoring and documentation. ECOWAS said the initiative is expected to produce a scalable model that can be replicated across other Member States in the region.
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Benue State Government, humanitarian and displacement-response agencies, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, internally displaced persons, as well as officials from ECOWAS and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
ECOWAS said the initiative underscores its commitment to placing women and girls at the centre of durable solutions and sustainable peacebuilding in West Africa, leveraging digital innovation to address immediate recovery needs while laying the foundation for long-term regional impact.
ECOWAS Launches Women’s Economic Empowerment and Digital Peacebuilding Pilot in Benue
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari: A Strategic Leadership for Global Agricultural Governance
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
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