576 deaths per 100,000: Kano State’s maternal mortality crisis

Michael Olumide

Kano State’s maternal mortality rate paints a grim picture, with 576 deaths per 100,000 live births, highlighting a dire need for improved healthcare services and interventions to save the lives of mothers and their newborns.

Speaking at the Capacity Training Workshop for Citizen Monitors on Monitoring Primary Healthcare Service Delivery, organized by the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED), with the generous support of MISEREOR/KZE, Germany. Held in Mambayya House, Kano State, Executive Director, (CHRICED), Dr. Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, lamented that despite years of effort by government institutions, development partners, and civil society, the health indicators for mothers and children in Kano State remain deeply alarming.

He stressed that the state is far from achieving national and global health benchmarks.

“These numbers are not mere statistics—they represent lives lost, families devastated, and communities left vulnerable. The root causes are well known: understaffed facilities, inadequate infrastructure, lack of personnel incentives, and persistent shortages of essential medical supplies. These systemic failures demand a bold, community-driven response”, he said.

He stated that the workshop is more than a convening of minds; it is a rallying cry for action. We gather here to empower citizen monitors with the knowledge, tools, and strategies required to hold our healthcare system accountable and ensure that every mother and child receives the care they deserve.

“The workshop is designed to build the capacity of citizen monitors to track the implementation of the Kano State FMNCH Law in Primary Healthcare Centres, strengthen community engagement in healthcare decision-making, promote transparency and accountability in service delivery and identify service delivery gaps and propose actionable solutions.

“Throughout the workshop, we will explore minimum standards for primary healthcare service delivery, community-based monitoring and reporting mechanisms, use of digital tools to enhance data collection and transparency, strategies for effective advocacy and policy influence and strengthening community oversight and civic participation.

“Citizen monitors are the eyes, ears, and conscience of the community. Your role is indispensable in bridging the gap between policy and practice. By documenting realities on the ground and amplifying community voices, you help ensure that healthcare services are responsive, equitable, and effective”, he stressed.

The Executive Director explained that CHRICED remained steadfast in its commitment to supporting your work and ensuring that its findings informed meaningful reforms in maternal and child healthcare across Kano State.

We extend our heartfelt appreciation to MISEREOR-KZE of Germany for their unwavering support in advancing human rights and public health in Nigeria. We also commend CHRICED’s Board and Staff for their tireless commitment to democratic accountability.

“Our sincere thanks go to the Kano State Ministry of Health, Gwale and Kumbotso LGAs, traditional rulers, and all relevant government agencies and departments for their cooperation and support.

“To our participants, facilitators, and media partners. Thank you for your commitment to this noble cause. Together, we can transform the healthcare landscape in Kano State and save countless lives,” he stated.