Nigeria has announced that free emergency Caesarean sections will be made available to « poor and vulnerable » women in an ambitious plan to bring down the high number of mothers dying in childbirth. At 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, Africa’s most populous nation has the fourth highest maternal mortality rate in the world and the lack of access to Caesareans is thought to be one of the reasons.
Many pregnant women in Nigeria , particularly in rural areas are unable to receive emergency medical care partly due to the cost.While the price may vary across Nigeria’s different states, on average, a Caesarean costs around 60,000 naira which can be beyond the reach of many. More than 40% of Nigerians live below the international extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day, according to 2023 data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics.The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative launched since november will now allow all eligible women to access Caesarean sections in public hospitals.
« There are a lot of women without access to cesarean sections, and with the economic turmoil of the country, the cost of medical services and medical products have risen astronomically, so I think it’s very important, and a good initiative by the federal government. »
DAMILOLA OLORIEGBE , Medical Doctor – Nigeria
The government says with the new offer of free c-sections for pregnant women in the country who need it, none should lose their life simply because they can’t afford it.
Health personnel consider it a good step, and say it would go a long way in reducing maternal mortality in the country.
« There are a lot of things that go into a cesarean section, as with all surgical procedures so you need to talk about the surgical instruments, the expertise, talk about the theaters for example. How many hospitals for example have provisions, theatres that are sterile enough to provide these services? How many are there in the country, so if that can also be tackled, if that problem can also be addressed, that will go a long way. »
DAMILOLA OLORIEGBE , Medical Doctor – Nigeria
Despite its necessity in many cases, the high cost of a C-section in Nigeria has long been a major barrier, preventing many women from accessing this critical care during childbirth. This initiative will then improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country.
