2 weeks Ago By Guardian Nigeria
Maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high worldwide, with nearly 95 per cent of these deaths occurring in low- and middle-income countries. Most of these deaths are preventable, yet progress in addressing the issue has been slow. A groundbreaking study led by Dr.
Cherechi Nwabueze has shed new light on the awareness and factors influencing the utilisation of focused antenatal care (FANC) in Nigeria, offering important insights into how prenatal care can be improved for pregnant women. As the most populous black nation globally, Nigeria’s healthcare challenges have far-reaching implications. Dr.
Nwabueze’s research comes at a critical time, urging both policymakers and healthcare providers to confront healthcare inequities and prioritise maternal health. Uncovering the gaps Through an extensive analysis of about 300 patients at three major tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, Dr. Nwabueze and her team found troubling gaps in awareness and knowledge of focused antenatal care, which is key to reducing maternal mortality and improving outcomes during pregnancy.
Shockingly, only 15 per cent of the study participants were aware of focused antenatal care, and just 7.3 per cent demonstrated a good understanding of its components. The lack of education among participants was identified as a key barrier to better knowledge and utilisation of these essential services.
Most of the women who had some awareness of FANC were informed through health talks provided during antenatal visits. However, the study also revealed that many women started antenatal care late in their pregnancies—a critical issue since early and continuous care is essential for monitoring both the mother and baby’s health. This late initiation of care, combined with a lack of knowledge, contributed to poorer pregnancy outcomes among those who were less informed.
Challenges to healthcare access The study also pointed to limited access to healthcare, especially in rural areas, as a significant factor in the low uptake of antenatal care services. In addition, the research highlighted systemic challenges in the healthcare infrastructure, such as long waiting times and overcrowded facilities, which contribute to dissatisfaction with antenatal services. These factors underscore the need for both infrastructure improvements and more efficient service delivery to ensure pregnant women receive timely and quality care.
Implications for policy and action The findings from Dr. Nwabueze’s study have profound implications for Nigeria’s maternal and child health policies. With most maternal deaths being preventable through adequate antenatal care, these results should serve as a wake-up call for Nigerian policymakers to prioritise maternal health and ensure that antenatal care services are accessible, informative, and effective.
While further research, including qualitative methods, is needed to better understand pregnant women’s experiences with FANC, this study is a critical step in driving forward evidence-based interventions to reduce maternal mortality. It highlights the importance of addressing socio-economic disparities and improving healthcare access, particularly in underserved communities. A call for change For Nigeria, as the most populous Black country in the world, these findings are particularly significant.
It is imperative for the healthcare system and policymakers to recognise these disparities and take decisive action. Embracing evidence-based strategies and addressing the root causes of poor antenatal care utilisation will not only improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria but can also set a model for other countries facing similar challenges. Dr.
Nwabueze’s research is more than just an academic study; it is a call to action to care for pregnant women in line with WHO guidelines—regardless of their socio-economic background. By tackling the social determinants of health, addressing infrastructure gaps, and improving education, we can create a healthcare system that truly supports the needs of every Nigerian. Dr.
Cherechi Nwabueze, a U.S.-based physician and public health researcher, remains deeply committed to alleviating the impact of both chronic and infectious diseases within diverse communities.
Her research not only highlights critical gaps in the healthcare system but also paves the way for a future where every Nigerians have the right to access high-quality care—particularly pregnant women, who are among the most vulnerable. Together, by addressing these critical issues, we can ensure a brighter, healthier future for all Nigerians, reducing maternal mortality and ensuring that no woman dies from preventable causes during childbirth. Nwabueze wrote from United States of America.
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