Provision of essential obstetric care (EOC): a sine qua non to reducing maternal mortality rate in Nigeria.

Nigeria's maternal mortality rate has been on the increase even after the launching of the Safe Motherhood Initiative (SMI) 16 years ago. The causes of this increase are well known, and mainly result from inability of a health system to deal effectively with complications, especially during or shortly after childbirth. Shortage of health professionals and health facilities equipped to offer EOC and emergency obstetric care 24 hours a day are significantly related to quality of care and maternal mortality rates. Since the Primary Health Care (PHC) level is usually the first contact point for the majority of our women, it must be able to deliver the essential services in full and make appropriate referrals when necessary. From available statistics, provision of EOC services in Nigeria has been deplorable. Deficient areas within the health system concerning EOC services are highlighted and suggestions made on how to improve and sustain services.It is concluded that provision of effective and efficient EOC facilities and services will play a key role in maternal mortality reduction, not only in Nigeria but in most developing regions of the world.