One Nigerian woman dies every 7 minutes from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications - UNICEF

Tuesday, May 19, 2026 - One Nigerian woman di£s every seven minutes from childbirth or pregnancy-related complications, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has revealed. 

The alarming statistic was disclosed by UNICEF officials while highlighting the country’s worsening maternal mortality rate and the urgent need for improved healthcare services for pregnant women across Nigeria. 

According to the agency, Nigeria records an estimated 75,000 maternal de@ths every year, one of the highest figures globally. 

UNICEF said the de@ths are largely preventable but continue due to weak healthcare infrastructure, shortage of trained health workers, poverty, poor emergency response systems, and limited access to quality maternal care, especially in rural communities. 

Medical experts say many pregnant women still struggle to access hospitals with skilled birth attendants, while others are unable to afford proper antenatal care due to rising economic hardship. 

The agency noted that severe bleeding after childbirth, infections, unsafe abortions, high blood pressure during pregnancy, and delayed emergency treatment remain some of the leading causes of maternal d£aths in the country. 

Northern Nigeria and conflict-affected areas continue to record the highest number of cases due to insecurity, displacement, and poor access to functioning healthcare facilities. 

Health experts have repeatedly warned that the growing migration of Nigerian doctors and nurses abroad is also worsening the crisis. 

Over the past few years, thousands of healthcare workers have left Nigeria for better opportunities in countries like the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States, leaving many public hospitals understaffed and overwhelmed. 

Globally, the United Nations says a woman di£s every two minutes from pregnancy or childbirth complications, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for the majority of cases worldwide. 

UNICEF has now called for more urgent action from governments, healthcare institutions, and development partners to prevent further avoidable d£aths and improve maternal healthcare outcomes across Nigeria.