An assessment of safe motherhood initiative in Nigeria and the achievement of the Millennium Development Goal Number 5

Abstract

Achieving the ambitious two-thirds reduction in maternal mortality which is the aim of the Millennium Development Goals Number 5 will require more than generating sufficient donor support and carrying out medical interventions. The process of inclusion of the safe motherhood initiative into the national policy agenda in Nigeria has been quite challenging. This study attempted to highlight the state of maternal health in Nigeria using descriptive research method. The data used were from primary and secondary sources which included interviews of ante and post-natal patients of Hajiya Gambo Sawaba General Hospital, Zaria. Findings confirmed that safe motherhood needs to become a political priority with a definite national plan of action in the form of a national policy for safe motherhood. Recommendations were proffered for the prevailing situation. © Medwell Journals, 2012.