The Resource Center for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has issued a sobering wake-up call regarding the state of healthcare in Nigeria. According to the organization, Nigeria now accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal and child deaths, a statistic that reflects a deep-seated crisis in the country’s medical infrastructure. Even more concerning is the revelation that Kano State currently bears a disproportionately large share of this tragic burden.
Speaking on the matter following a recent validation workshop in Kano, the Executive Director of CHRICED, Comrade Dr. Zikirullahi M. Ibrahim, emphasized that these numbers are more than just data points; they represent a moral crisis. Ibrahim noted that while maternal and newborn health is a major public health issue, it is also a fundamental human rights priority that requires immediate, high-level intervention.
Reports highlight that CHRICED has been on the front lines of this battle since 2016. The organization has worked closely with community leaders and government institutions to find practical ways to keep mothers and babies alive. Their latest effort involved a detailed “MNCH Readiness Assessment,” which looked at the actual state of primary healthcare facilities across Kano to see if they are truly equipped to handle emergencies.
To turn the tide, the advocacy group is calling for a major overhaul of the system. This includes upgrading dilapidated health centers, improving emergency transport for women in labor, and investing heavily in the training and welfare of health workers. Ibrahim pointed out that the goal is to ensure that no woman or child is denied life-saving care simply because of their socioeconomic status or where they live.
The center also acknowledged the critical support of international partners, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), whose contributions have helped keep these essential services running. CHRICED believes that by providing citizens with accurate information and identifying exactly where the system is failing, they can help the government make better decisions that will ultimately save lives across the state.
