The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over Nigeria’s worsening maternal mortality rate, stating that a woman d+es every seven minutes during childbirth in the country.
The UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku Butichi, made the disclosure on Friday in Maiduguri during the symbolic handover of WASHFIT supplies to health facilities in Borno State.
He attributed the high rate of maternal d+aths to poor hygiene conditions, weak infection prevention systems, and unsafe environments in many health facilities across the country.
Butichi noted that health facilities, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected areas, play a critical role as the first line of defence against disease outbreaks and public health emergencies.
He explained that the WASHFIT initiative is designed to strengthen infection prevention and control, improve access to safe water, promote hygiene practices, and enhance healthcare waste management in health facilities.
According to him, “WASHFIT supports health facilities to strengthen infection prevention and control, improve access to safe and reliable water, promote hygiene practices and enhance healthcare waste management.”
He added that the programme is focused on addressing key gaps in water, sanitation, hygiene, and infection prevention standards across health facilities.
Butichi further stressed that improving healthcare environments would lead to safer childbirth experiences, better service delivery, and improved working conditions for health workers.
He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting the Borno State Government in strengthening the health system and protecting the wellbeing of women and children.
