Fight against child mortality should start with maternal Healthcare – Gynecologist

Nigeria's struggle to reduce child mortality rates is deeply intertwined with maternal healthcare, according to Dr. Zeenat Abdullahi, an obstetrician and gynecologist. She argues that healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries are only the beginning, and that the months and years following birth are crucial in determining a child's survival.

Nigeria's latest Demographic and Health Survey reveals a staggering 110 out of every 1,000 children die before reaching age five, placing the country among the highest under-five mortality rates globally. Dr. Abdullahi attributes this alarming rate to the shared vulnerabilities of mothers and children, citing maternal mortality as a pressing concern.

Dr. Abdullahi emphasizes that mothers who are healthy during pregnancy and postpartum are better equipped to provide critical care to their infants, including proper nutrition, safe cord care, and early detection of health concerns. However, many families return to communities with limited access to healthcare, clean water, and essential services, leaving children vulnerable to preventable diseases.

Research shows that interventions such as full immunization, exclusive breastfeeding, and prompt treatment of common illnesses can prevent most under-five deaths if delivered reliably. Dr. Abdullahi highlights the importance of sustained support for mothers throughout a child's first five years of life, citing initiatives like SARMAAN, which aims to reduce child mortality through biannual mass drug administration.

With less than a decade to meet global maternal and child health targets, Dr. Abdullahi stresses that treating maternal and child health as a continuous investment is essential. She believes that backing mothers through sustained support is the most practical way to close the deadly gap between a safe delivery and a child's fifth birthday.