INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY: WOMEN'S HEALTH

A recent UNICEF report revealed that 1 out of every 5 children die before their 5th birthday, 500 newborns die daily and one pregnant woman dies every 10 minutes in childbirth. These depressing statistics have been challenged by Nigeria's Minister of Information, but whether or not they are indeed accurate, the sad state of womens health in Nigeria is definitely an issue that must be remedied.

As a mother of 3 children, my mind refuses to grasp the reality of those staggering statistics. No matter how many lives are lost during childbirth, be it 1 or 1000, any life lost is saddening. Particularly, as such deaths would be preventable when a people and their leaders commit to preventing such losses. In my opinion, these numbers, which have been challenged by Nigeria's Ministry of Information, illustrate the human costs of corruption in Nigeria. I am thankful that I am not a proponent of the death penalty and that Nigeria is not mine to do with as I pleased because if that was the case, every single person directly tied to the murder of the millions of Nigeria's women and children would stand a good chance of some form of humane execution.

So, on this day when, the world unites to celebrate "the economic, political and social achievements of women past, present and future," instead of advocate the execution of those responsible for the poor health of all Nigerians (regardless of age, sex or income), I use this opportunity to add my voice to those calling for better healthcare for Nigeria's people. The health of women and children is a crucial indicator of national development. And for Nigeria to someday become the shining beacon it aims to be, these statistics must improve starting now.


Further Reading:
- How Long Does It take To Replace A Health Minister?
- Universal Health Insurance For Nigerians
- Nigeria Is Suing Tobacco Companies $40 Billion Suit
- Selling Cigarettes to Nigeria's Children