Population policy targets zero maternal deaths by 2030 – FG

The National Population Commission has said the revised National Population Policy is geared towards ensuring that Nigeria records zero maternal deaths by 2030.

The chairman of the commission, Nasir Isa Kwarra, stated this on Tuesday in Abuja during a media workshop on the revised National Policy on Population for Sustainable Development organised by the commission in collaboration with the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN).

According to the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (2018 NDHS), Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio (MMR) is 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, which is one of the worst maternal health indices in the world.

Kwarra said the policy would address the country’s population growth challenges, and also ensure the reduction of some negative practices against women and girls by the end of 2030.

While stating that the bulk of Nigeria’s population was within the ages of 0-15, Kwarra said the policy was to shift the demography to a productive age that would increase manpower to spur economic activities in the country.

He added that the policy, when implemented, would lead to a decline in rural to urban migration by 5 per cent annually while achieving a reduction of the national annual population growth rate to 2 per cent by year 2030.

Dr Aminu Magashi Garba, the Coordinator, African Health Budget Network (AHBN), said President Muhammadu Buhari signed the revised National Population Policy in February this year.

He said the meeting was organized to sensitise the media on the contents of the policy, which “aims to reduce the country’s maternal mortality ratio from 512 per 100, 000 live births to 72 per 100,000 live births; and to attain zero maternal deaths by 2030.”