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Abstract

In 2019 and at the start of this year, the team from Nigeria Health Watch carrying out the #GivingBirthInNigeria project set out to three states to understand attitudes and opinions about caesarean sections in Nigeria. A caesarean section (C-Section) refers to the operation of delivering a baby through incisions made in the mother�s abdominal wall and uterus. We carried out focus group discussions (FGDs) with pregnant women, nursing mothers and women who had recently undergone C-Sections to talk about their opinions on the subject. In-depth interviews were carried out with medical doctors, nurses and midwives who explained the attitudes of women and their families to C-sections. Finally, we took to the streets of Lagos, Bayelsa and Bauchi to hear what Nigerians thought about C-Sections. Midwives are health professionals specifically trained to provide care for women during pregnancy, labour and childbirth. Most people are familiar with these functions, but less aware that they also have expanded roles to provide care before pregnancy and beyond childbirth. A critical factor in the fight against maternal and child mortality, the unique nature of midwifery care means that midwives can practice in a hospital setting, at the community level or at home. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has declared 2020 the Year of the Nurse and Midwife. Midwifery in Nigeria is largely dominated by women and faces issues of lack of recognition and adequate renumeration when compared to the entire health workforce. If Nigeria is to make adequate progress towards reducing maternal and child mortality, the role of the midwife must be given adequate attention.

Biography

Aysha Abdulkadir Haruna is a health economist, freelance proofreader and digital marketer (social media marketing and advertisement), though hoping to take on new challenges and learn more on the job. Currently living and working remotely in Abuja, Nigeria. Aysha likes attending webinars in order to gain new inspiration and inspire others. Team-oriented with proven ability to create positive rapport with people. Fluent in English and Hausa (and speak a little Arabic and French). Have a BSc in microbiology and MSc in health economics all from Bayero University Kano, Nigeria.