Poverty and maternal mortality in Nigeria

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Poverty and low income are well-established determinants of ill health, with poorer nations generally experiencing worse health outcomes compared to their wealthier counterparts (Wagstaff, 2002). Poverty, fundamentally defined as the inability to achieve a basic standard of living (Aigbokhan, 2000), can be understood through two dimensions: pennilessness and powerlessness.

Pennilessness refers to a lack of financial resources and other essential assets, while powerlessness captures the sense of having one's life dictated by external forces beyond personal control (Ijaiya et al., 2011). Nigeria, ranked among the 20 poorest countries globally, has over 66% of its population living below the poverty line (Lanre-Abass, 2008; Anyanwu, 2012). For women of childbearing age, poverty poses an acute risk, as financial and resource deprivation often leads to malnutrition and the inability to access basic necessities. These conditions significantly increase their vulnerability to poor maternal health outcomes, including heightened risks of mortality.

Figure 1 :Trend in National poverty incidence in Nigeria (Anyanwu, 2012)

A significant consequence of high poverty rates is the increased vulnerability of women to infections, often stemming from the unhygienic conditions in which they are forced to live. Additionally, financial constraints make it less likely for these women to seek care from qualified health professionals or access essential healthcare services.

Evidence from the implementation of United Nations Population Fund country programs demonstrates that improving individual and household income can significantly enhance access to and utilization of fundamental social services, including healthcare and education. These findings should serve as a call to action for policymakers, compelling them to address the pressing needs of their constituents and implement tangible solutions.

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