Health and Economic Outcomes of Interventions to Reduce Pregnancy-Related Mortality in Nigeria
2012
This paper examines the cost-effectiveness and impact of individual and integrated packages of interventions aimed to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria, a country with extremely high maternal mortality rates. Using a previously validated model adapted to the Nigerian context, the study finds that an increase of access to family planning is the most effective individual strategy, which not only reduces pregnancy-related mortality but also proves to be economically efficient. However, relying solely on family planning and safe abortion will not achieve significant reductions in maternal mortality in line with Millennium Development Goal 5 (MDG 5). A more comprehensive approach is needed that includes not just family planning and safe abortion, but also focuses on increasing skilled deliveries, facility births, and access to antenatal and postpartum care. It should also improve logistical aspects such as referral systems, transport, and the availability and quality of emergency obstetric care (EmOC).
In conclusion, the paper advocates for a multifaceted, stepwise approach to maternal health in Nigeria. Such an integrated strategy would be capable of preventing 80% of maternal deaths and would be highly cost-effective, with cost-effectiveness ratios below $500 per year of life saved (YLS), well under Nigeria's per capita GDP. The study suggests that focusing on this approach would offer equal or better value compared with other highly cost-effective public health interventions, such as childhood immunization.
Health and Economic Outcomes of Interventions to Reduce Pregnancy-Related Mortality in Nigeria
Source:
Erim DO, Resch SC, Goldie SJ. Assessing Health and Economic Outcomes of Interventions to Reduce Pregnancy-Related Mortality in Nigeria. BMC Public Health 2012; 12: 786. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2458-12-786