ABSTRACT

This work discussed the levels, trend and differentials of maternal mortality in Nigeria using the reported measures from NDHS, 2008 and UNICEF for the years 1980, 1990, 2000 and 2008 respectively. The result obtained from this work will be of great help and immense importance to various government bodies because it provides information that could form basis for the design, implementation and monitoring strategies for improved maternity care, which will inadvertently lead to a drastic reduction in the level of maternal mortality in this country. Age specific rates were used to compare the variation of the incidence over the years and ratios were used to compare the level of the incidence with other countries. The result of the analysis shows that reduction in the levels have been achieved, but more work needs to be done because we are lagging behind when compared to other developed nations. The incidence was found to have occurred more among poor women and woman with low educational qualification. In order to achieve more reductions both government and individuals are to make reasonable contribution that were recommended in the latter part of this work.