The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening maternal mortality rate, revealing that a woman reportedly dies every seven minutes during childbirth in the country.
The disclosure was made on Friday in Maiduguri by the Chief of UNICEF’s Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku Butichi, during the symbolic handover of WASHFIT supplies to healthcare facilities in Borno State.
According to Butichi, poor hygiene conditions, weak infection prevention systems, and unsafe healthcare environments remain major factors contributing to maternal deaths across Nigeria.
He noted that healthcare facilities, particularly those located in fragile and conflict-affected communities, represent a crucial frontline in preventing disease outbreaks and safeguarding public health.
Butichi explained that the WASHFIT initiative was introduced to improve healthcare conditions through stronger infection prevention and control systems, better access to clean water, improved hygiene practices, and safer healthcare waste management.
He added that improving healthcare environments would not only reduce maternal and newborn deaths but also enhance patient care and provide safer working conditions for healthcare personnel.
The UNICEF official reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting the Borno State Government in strengthening the healthcare system and improving the wellbeing of women and children across the state.