AfriPulse
Nigeria contributes a significantly disproportionate share to global health crises, accounting for approximately 14% of worldwide maternal deaths and 9% of global under-five deaths, according to the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Salako.
Dr. Salako made the disclosure in his inaugural address during the second day of the 2025 Joint Annual Review (JAR) Meeting in Abuja, themed: “All hands, one mission: Bringing Nigeria’s health sector to light.”
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, the Minister emphasized: “Nigeria still accounts for approximately 14 per cent of global maternal deaths and nine per cent of global under-five deaths, despite representing only 2.6 per cent of the world’s population.”
He noted that while Nigeria has recorded improvements in key health indicators, the progress remains insufficient for a nation of its size and resources. The JAR meeting serves as an annual multi-stakeholder platform designed to review progress and strengthen accountability in the health sector.
Citing preliminary results from the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the minister presented statistics indicating marginal improvements in combating maternal and child mortality:
“Maternal Mortality Ratio stands at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births (down from 576 in 2018).”
“Under-five mortality rate stands at 110 deaths per 1,000 live births (a reduction from 132 in 2018).”
“Neonatal mortality is at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births.”
“The Skilled Birth Attendance is up from 43 per cent in 2018 to 53 per cent.”
“Full immunisation coverage at 39 per cent is an improvement from 31 per cent in 2018.”
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“Modern Contraceptive Prevalence is at 20 per cent among currently married women.”
Dr. Salako acknowledged these statistics showed gradual progress but stressed that it was “not commensurate with a nation of Nigeria’s stature, resources, and ambition.”
He painted a stark picture of the human cost: “Too many mothers still die in childbirth, too many children don’t reach their fifth birthday, and too many families are impoverished by healthcare costs.”
The Minister assured stakeholders that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is aware of the challenges and is implementing coordinated reforms to reverse these trends and strengthen the nation’s health system.
He stated: “The government of President Bola Tinubu, fully aware of these challenges, is making concerted efforts in partnership with state and local governments, development partners, and civil society to accelerate progress and deliver a health system that will optimally serve all Nigerians.”
Reaffirming the necessity of sustained effort, Dr. Salako said: “Health system resilience is not built overnight. It requires sustained investment, political will, technical excellence, community ownership, and accountability.”
The Minister urged all stakeholders to renew their commitment toward Universal Health Coverage, concluding that: “Only healthy people can translate to a healthy nation, and only healthy people can produce a prosperous, secure, and great country.”
Source: RipplesNigeria | Read the Full Story…
