In the Federal Capital Territory, healthcare workers report severe shortages of staff and frequent power outages in primary health care centers. These conditions are undermining maternal care, according to a recent report by BusinessDay.
The investigation found that many PHCs lack essential medical personnel, forcing nurses to manage high patient loads alone. Power cuts often leave maternity wards in darkness, complicating emergency procedures. In one facility, a nurse described working without electricity for over six hours during a critical delivery.
This crisis follows years of underfunding and mismanagement of Nigeria’s healthcare system. Despite government pledges to improve maternal health, resources remain scarce. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where access to trained professionals is even more limited.
Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with over 1,000 women dying annually from preventable causes. The current challenges highlight the urgent need for better funding and infrastructure. Experts warn that without immediate action, the health of mothers and newborns will continue to deteriorate.
