Abstract
Maternal mortality continues to pose a critical public health issue in Nigeria, which ranks among the countries with the highest maternal death rates worldwide. The leading causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria are a combination of medical conditions and socio-cultural factors, including obstetric hemorrhage, eclampsia, infections, and unsafe abortions. The general objective of this paper is to examine the social determinant of maternal mortality in Nigeria. These are preventable with timely and quality healthcare intervention. However, Nigeria's socio-economic and cultural context presents considerable challenges. High poverty levels, particularly in northern areas, limited healthcare facilities, widespread illiteracy, and deeply rooted patriarchal norms exacerbate the situation. Cultural practices such as sex preference, harmful practices like female genital mutilation worsen the problem. In many conservative communities, women’s decision-making autonomy is constrained, limiting their ability to pursue necessary healthcare. The paper recommends improvements in healthcare infrastructure, the empowerment of women through education and autonomy, and efforts to eradicate harmful cultural practices.
Keywords: Maternal Mortality, Maternal Health, Pregnant Women
DOI: 10.36349/zamijoh.2025.v03i02.007
author/Rabia Hashimu
journal/Zamfara IJOH Vol. 3, Issue 2
