A staggering 70% of women in Kano State are still delivering their babies outside hospitals, contributing to the highest maternal mortality rates in Nigeria, according to Dr. Abubakar Yusuf, the state’s Commissioner for Health.
Dr. Yusuf’s shocking revelation was made during the “Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII)” workshop held in Kano on Monday, January 27, 2025. The health sector in Kano has been grappling with a persistent maternal health crisis, which the Commissioner described as “unacceptable” for a country with so many resources.
“We cannot continue to ignore the reality. Only 30% of women in Kano give birth in hospitals, and this is a direct cause of the high maternal death rate we are currently facing. This is not just a health issue but a societal crisis,” Dr. Yusuf stated passionately during his address to a crowd of healthcare professionals, government officials, and local stakeholders.
Kano’s Dire Health Situation: A Wake-Up Call
Dr. Yusuf pointed out that Kano, as Nigeria’s most populous state, is home to a disproportionate number of maternal and neonatal deaths. This grim statistic makes it a focal point for nationwide health interventions, but it also highlights the state’s deep-rooted healthcare challenges. “Kano’s health issues are a mirror of the broader crisis in Nigeria’s healthcare system,” he said.
The state’s maternal mortality rate is among the highest in the country, a fact that has caused considerable concern for the local and state government. “When my team and I took office, this was one of the issues that kept us awake at night,” Yusuf admitted. He emphasized that in addition to maternal deaths, Kano is also experiencing high rates of child mortality, which together constitute a health emergency that demands urgent attention.
In response, the Kano State Government has implemented several initiatives aimed at improving maternal healthcare. These include free antenatal care, equipment distribution to over 60 health facilities, and upgrades to 63 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state.
“We are working relentlessly to ensure that every woman has access to quality maternal care, regardless of their location or socio-economic status,” Yusuf added. However, despite these efforts, the statistics remain grim, with only a small fraction of births occurring within the confines of a medical facility.
The MAMII Initiative: A Potential Game-Changer
At the heart of the effort to reduce maternal mortality in Kano and across Nigeria is the federal government’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII). Dr. Saidu Dombulwa, the Director of the Office of the Coordinating Minister of Health and the National Programme Manager of NEMSAS, spoke at the workshop about the crucial role the MAMII initiative will play in transforming healthcare in the country.
“We are committed to reducing maternal and neonatal deaths, starting with Kano. The federal government has already begun implementing the design of MAMII here, and we believe this initiative is a key part of the solution,” Dr. Dombulwa said in his address. He emphasized that MAMII represents a comprehensive approach to healthcare delivery that will not leave anyone behind, ensuring that every woman, especially in remote areas, has access to the medical care she needs.
Dr. Dombulwa, who was representing the Minister of Health at the event, stressed the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders. “This initiative requires collective action, and with the caliber of participants here today, I am confident that we will turn our aspirations into tangible results. Kano must take the lead in the northern region, and getting it right here means we are on the right path for the entire country.”
Community-Based Surveillance: A Critical Strategy
One of the key components of Kano’s efforts to address its maternal health crisis is the establishment of a community-based surveillance team. This initiative is aimed at monitoring maternal health and identifying potential risks in real-time, especially in rural and underserved areas where healthcare facilities are sparse.
“We are training local healthcare providers to be competent in handling maternal emergencies. Our goal is to increase awareness about the importance of delivering in health facilities and to create a support system for women in remote areas,” Dr. Yusuf explained.
In addition to surveillance, the state has ramped up its financial investment in healthcare infrastructure, including the construction of new facilities and the upgrading of existing ones to provide better services to women in need.
The Road Ahead: Can Kano Turn the Tide?
Despite the state’s efforts, significant challenges remain in convincing communities, especially in rural areas, to trust hospitals and health facilities with childbirth. Traditional beliefs, a lack of awareness about the risks of home births, and inadequate access to healthcare in some regions all contribute to the reluctance of many women to seek institutional care.
However, Dr. Yusuf remains optimistic that with continued government investment, collaboration with federal initiatives like MAMII, and active participation from local communities, progress can be made.
“I believe we can bring down maternal mortality in Kano, but it will take time and persistent efforts. We need everyone to understand the importance of seeking professional medical care when giving birth,” Yusuf concluded.
As Kano works towards reducing its maternal mortality rate, the hope is that the success of initiatives like MAMII will pave the way for similar efforts in other states, ultimately improving maternal health across Nigeria.
