Conceptual model for the prevention of maternal mortality in Nigeria

Maternal mortality rates are much higher in developing countries than in the developed countries. In Nigeria, rates between 500 and 1500 per 100,000 are common. Questionnaires were administered to 30 primary health centres in Edo central senatorial district of Nigeria in order to find out the staffing, 24 h staff coverage of the primary health centre and difficulties encountered in referring patients. It was found that most of the primary health centres had no doctor coverage. The average number of midwives per centre was two, and transport was not usually available for transfers especially at night. It was concluded that lack of commitment on the part of all tiers of government was the reason behind the high mortality rates, and a conceptual model of one resident doctor per centre, with a 24 h coverage by midwives and a central ambulance centre for each local government area, was proposed for the reduction of maternal mortality, using the available resources in Nigeria.