Report Reveals Alarming Women’s Health Statistics in Nigeria, Calls for Urgent Action

Mary Nnah

A landmark report, the “State of Women’s Health in Nigeria”, launched at the Banking on Women’s Health Conference held recently in Lagos has unveiled alarming statistics on women’s health in Nigeria, highlighting the dire need for urgent action to address the country’s high maternal mortality rates, inadequate access to healthcare, and lack of prioritisation of women’s health.

According to Ife Dare Johnson, CEO of Healthtracka and founder of the Banking on Women’s Health Conference, “Women’s health has always been under-researched, under-prioritised, and under-funded. It’s time to change that.” Johnson emphasised the need for advocacy, awareness, and data-driven solutions to address the issues surrounding women’s health in Nigeria.
“We need to showcase the data. And what we’ve done is actually to go around the 36 plus 1 states to find the data around women’s health throughout the thematic areas and actually be able to showcase that it’s not just in our heads. This is real. This is what women every day go through in all the states in Nigeria.”

The report paints a stark picture of the challenges faced by Nigerian women, including a maternal mortality rate of 576 deaths per 100,000 live births, ranking Nigeria as the fourth highest globally.
This translates to approximately over 82,000 women dying from pregnancy-related complications in 2020 alone.
Rodio Diallo, Deputy Director, Family Health, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, reaffirmed the foundation’s commitment to advancing women’s health in Nigeria, stating, “Nigeria faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. This underscores the imperative to act swiftly, precisely, and collaboratively.”

Diallo further emphasised the need for a robust primary healthcare system, stating, “We recognise that a robust primary healthcare system is vital. And as such, we are collaborating with the Nigerian government, the Federal Ministry of Health through His Renewed Hope agenda, and other stakeholders to strengthen health services at the community level, ensuring that women have access to quality care when and where they need it.”

The conference also introduced the Banking on Women’s Health Innovation Award, which aims to recognise and support innovative solutions that address the challenges faced by women in Nigeria. Johnson noted that “innovation needs to come from people who understand what’s going on with women on the ground.” The award seeks to encourage and empower innovators to develop solutions that cater to the unique needs of Nigerian women.

Dr. Adanna Steinacker, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women’s Health, emphasised the need for collective action and commitment to improving women’s health in Nigeria.
“When women’s health is protected, a nation’s heart beats stronger. Let us move forward together with courage, clarity, and a commitment to building a healthier, more just future for every Nigerian woman and girl,” she said.
Steinacker also highlighted the importance of breaking the silence around women’s health, stating, “The cultural silence was loud. I think a lot of us can relate to that. A lot of these conversations that are very important in moving our health agenda forward are often hushed. We’re not supposed to speak about that publicly.”

Steinacker further emphasised the need for policy makers to prioritise women’s health, stating, “Even the boldest policy means nothing if it does not meet real people in real time. So whether you’re a policy maker, a midwife, a data analyst, or a patient advocate, this work requires all of us.” She also called on investors and donors to fund women’s health innovation, saying, “The time to fund women’s health innovation is now. Not as charity, but as the smartest investment in our nation’s prosperity. You cannot argue that a healthy woman means a healthy nation.”

The report launch and innovation award introduction mark a significant step towards prioritising women’s health in Nigeria. As Johnson noted, “The time to act is now. It’s time to bank on women’s health.” The conference brought together medical professionals, researchers, innovators, policymakers, and women of all ages to discuss the issues surrounding women’s health and co-create solutions.

The “State of Women’s Health in Nigeria” report is a wake-up call for stakeholders to take immediate action to address the challenges faced by Nigerian women. With the report’s findings and recommendations, Nigeria can take a crucial step towards improving women’s health and building a healthier, more prosperous future for all.

The Banking on Women’s Health Conference has set the stage for a new era of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration in women’s health. As the nation looks to the future, one thing is clear: the health and well-being of Nigerian women can no longer be ignored. It’s time to act, and it’s time to bank on women’s health.