When primary healthcare facilities are available but mothers look the other way: Maternal mortality in Northern Nigeria

Poor maternal health outcomes are reported commonplace in Northern Nigeria in spite of a relatively efficient distribution of primary healthcare centers (PHCs) across the grassroot. There is need to understand why such availability of PHCs is yet to translate into improved maternal health for the region in line with global health goals. Thus, this article investigates factors that affect utilization of PHCs by maternal-aged women in Niger-east senatorial zone in Niger State, Nigeria. Data were sourced from 48 respondents comprising pregnant women, nursing mothers and health workers. Data were analyzed thematically. From our findings, occurrences of maternal mortality abound in the study area as a result of the disparity between availability and utilization of maternal health services offered by PHCs in the location. Influential factors include culture, support networks, policy and equipment gaps, economic challenges, and attitude of health workers. We recommend the engagement of social workers to galvanize a blend of upstream, midstream and downstream public health interventions in order to address these influential factors and achieve positive maternal health outcomes for Nigeria in future.