Health experts in Bauchi State have raised concern over the rising maternal death rate, calling on the State House of Assembly to pass a law banning home childbirth.
The appeal came during a one-day training organized by the Bauchi State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), aimed at improving reporting on maternal and newborn health.
Nation reports that about 50 journalists attended the training, learning how to cover issues affecting mothers and newborns more effectively.
Speaking at the event, UNICEF health expert Seyi Olosunde said the training is part of efforts to raise awareness and improve health outcomes for women and children. He expressed concern over teenage pregnancies in the state, noting that one in four girls becomes pregnant at a young age.
Olosunde added that many teenagers feel ashamed of their pregnancies and that many newborns die within the first 28 days due to preventable causes linked to unsafe deliveries.
He stressed the urgent need for interventions, including legislation, to reverse these trends.
UNICEF Social Behaviour Change expert George Eki said banning home births could help address cultural norms and harmful practices around childbirth.
In his remarks, Comrade Umar Sa’idu, Chairman of NUJ Bauchi State, commended UNICEF for its support and said regular training helps journalists improve reporting on maternal and child health.
He revealed that a seven-month committee will guide journalists in producing detailed reports on maternal and newborn issues.
Also speaking, Amina Balali of the State Primary Health Care Development Board highlighted the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), a government program that has made progress in 11 local government areas.
Balali explained that the program has improved emergency transport for pregnant women in rural areas, hiring motorcycle riders to take women to health facilities. Health workers have been trained, essential medicines supplied, and free delivery kits provided.
She called for more awareness campaigns to encourage women to deliver in health facilities under trained professionals, adding that safe delivery is key to reducing maternal and newborn deaths in Bauchi State.