The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has reported that 91% of women in Rivers State give birth with the assistance of skilled birth attendants.
UNICEF Health Manager, Dr. Martin Dohlsten, shared this information on Tuesday in Port Harcourt during a media dialogue on neonatal healthcare, childhood illnesses, and vaccination.
In contrast, Dohlsten noted that only 46% of women across Nigeria deliver with the help of doctors, nurses, or midwives. He emphasized that the country’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates are closely linked to the presence of skilled birth attendants during delivery.
He further revealed that 32% of newborn deaths in Nigeria occur within the first 28 days, primarily due to premature birth or birth asphyxia. Additionally, 79% of neonatal deaths result from infections, prematurity, and asphyxia.
