Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano
Kano State has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality, with recent data showing deaths dropping from 1,025 to approximately 937 per 100,000 live births.
The Executive Director of West and Central Africa Health Options (WCAHEALTH), Dr. Ofuoma Omo-Obi, disclosed the figures Tuesday at a one-day stakeholders’ workshop in Kano reviewing lessons from the E-MOTIVE project.
He said the accelerating and expanded adoption of RMNCH Program ran from March 2024 to June 2026, funded through Bill, Melinda foundation and TA Connect.
According to him Nigeria has been identified as the global headquarters of maternal deaths, accounting for about 27% of women dying worldwide. “By population, Kano records the highest number. Within Kano, about 18 local governments account for most of these deaths.”
“We took delivery of 14,000 babies in those local governments with no maternal deaths, about 4,500 women were given calibrated drugs, and 507 who progressed to postpartum haemorrhage were treated successfully. Before this program, those 507 would have been deaths. This program saved them.” Dr. Omo-Obi said. “
He noted the intervention trained about 800 healthcare workers and worked directly with 242 skilled birth attendants at primary healthcare centres and secondary facilities.
“We do not do hit-and-run training in fancy hotels; we take the training to where the problem is. We appoint mentors who build monthly relationships with providers.”
He further explained that mentors often step in during emergencies. “When they are coaching and see a delivery where the provider needs help, they wear gloves and assist immediately.”
The workshop panel included some international donor agencies, the DG of the Drugs Management Agency, DG of the State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency, State Health Insurance Agency, MNCH Coordinator, and Director of Primary Health Care. “All of that is comparable to the E-MOTIVE bundle innovation.
Speaking, the Kano State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran, outlined three key government commitments behind the drop in maternal deaths.
First, the government trained frontline staff on managing labour, pregnancy, and the post-delivery period. Second, it ensured primary healthcare centres and hospitals were service-ready with equipment and supplies.
He said “We are making the public accept hospital deliveries, in this community, many women see hospital delivery as weakness. But now we are changing that. It’s a form of safety — a safe way of delivery.” The shift in perception, Labaran noted.
