One woman dies every eight minutes during childbirth in Borno — UNICEF

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern over the alarming rate of maternal deaths in Borno State, disclosing that one woman dies every eight minutes during childbirth, mostly from preventable causes.

Chief of UNICEF Maiduguri Field Office, Mr Francis Busiku Butichi, made the disclosure on Thursday during the launch of the distribution of 3,700 Mama Kits to 13 priority local government areas in Borno State under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII).

He warned that Borno State remains one of the highest contributors to maternal and neonatal mortality in the country, urging for immediate and concerted efforts to reverse the trend.

According to him, “These are not just numbers. They are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends and future leaders lost to preventable causes”.

He noted that the MAMII initiative was designed to address five major delays that contribute to maternal and newborn deaths—delays in seeking care, reaching care, receiving care, taking responsibility and coordinating healthcare responses.

He explained that the Mama Kits are pre-packed with essential items for safe and hygienic delivery and are particularly vital in rural communities and IDP camps, where sterile delivery environments are rare.

“These kits are more than just supplies. They send a message to every woman that her life matters,” he said. “They also help bridge the gap between traditional practices and modern healthcare services, encouraging more women to seek skilled care.”

Butichi appealed to government institutions, traditional leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to scale up support for maternal and neonatal health, stressing that the burden is too heavy for the health sector to carry alone.

“No woman should die while giving life. Every safe birth is a victory. Every mother saved is a secured future. Every newborn kept alive is a promise fulfilled,” he advised.

He reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to working with the Borno State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Development Board to strengthen health facilities, train workers, improve data systems, and support maternal and child health at all levels.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE