Lack of Comprehensive Reproductive Health in Curriculum Linked to High Maternal Deaths in Nigeria – Experts

A lack of comprehensive integration of reproductive health into the training curriculum has been identified as a major factor fueling the high rate of maternal deaths in Nigeria.

Professor Friday Okonofua, a renowned obstetrics and Gynaecology expert at the University of Benin, highlighted this issue during a two-day workshop on Reproductive Health Curriculum Review in Abuja.

Prof Okonofua disclosed that they are concerned the existing curriculum focuses majorly on treatment, a reason he said was responsible for high maternal death in the country.

He stated, “We are worried that most of the components that currently on our reproductive health surround the treatment of condition that leads to death rather than its prevention. “It’s important that our training curriculum is designed in such a way that students are made aware of the way to prevent these issues from reoccurring.”

The workshop, which was attended by representatives from medical and technical schools, as well as students, aimed to address the high rate of maternal deaths during childbirth in Nigeria.

Prof Okonofua stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to reproductive education, focusing on prevention rather than just treatment. 

He also called for a new curriculum that includes issues of rights, social justice, and equity.

According to Prof Okonofua, “This effort is not limited to medical students, but it is crucial to start with them and then expand to other health professions.”

Dr. Ibrahim Abbas in his presentation disclosed that every six minutes, a Nigerian woman dies due to unsafe illegal abortion.

He said: “Unsafe abortion account for roughly 5,000 maternal deaths every year in Nigeria, or an average, 14 maternal deaths each day.”

The workshop participants echoed the need for a holistic approach to reproductive health education, emphasising the importance of integrating comprehensive reproductive health into the training curriculum to address the high rate of maternal deaths in Nigeria. 

The workshop concluded with a call to action for comprehensive review of a reproductive health curriculum in Nigerian higher institutions of learning that prioritizes prevention and equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills to reduce maternal mortality in the country.