Treatment of birth asphyxia in Nigeria varies significantly across zones

Birth asphyxia is a condition where a baby does not receive sufficient oxygen before, during, and after birth. It is a leading cause of early neonatal mortality and was selected as an indicator in the assessment of the management of maternal and neonatal complications in Nigeria.

The percentage of health facilities surveyed that provide appropriate treatment for birth asphyxia varies from as low as 19.4% in the North West to as high as 50.3% in the South-South. With no zone exceeding 50%, significant gaps remain in reducing infant mortality in Nigeria.

Source:

National Health Facility Survey 2023

Period:

2023
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The top ten states received 39% of the total National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) funds in 2024
Key takeaways:
  • Kano State received the highest allocation at ₦1.23 billion, accounting for 5.7% of the total NPHCDA Gateway fund.
  • Katsina followed closely with an allocation of nearly 4%.
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  • The top ten states collectively received ₦8.30 billion, representing 38.6% of the total fund.
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The largest share of NHIA funds in 2024, approximately 30%, was allocated to the North-Western states of Nigeria
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  • Kano State received the highest individual allocation, totalling ₦1.43 billion, which accounts for 6% of the overall disbursement.
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Approximately 60% of the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) in 2024 was allocated to the northern states
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  • Kano State received the highest allocation, totalling ₦2.67 billion, which accounts for 5.9% of the entire fund.
  • Nine out of the top ten recipient states are located in Northern Nigeria.
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  • The top ten states collectively received ₦16.94 billion, representing 37.3% of the total fund disbursed.
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Nigeria has led global maternal mortality since 2021, with 993 deaths per 100,000 in 2023
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  • Sierra Leone dropped by 78%, from 1,603 to 354
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  • Nigeria accounted for 29% of global maternal deaths in 2023

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