Expert Blames Cultural Norms for High Child Mortality Rates in Bauchi State
A Social Behaviour Change expert, George Eki, has identified socio-cultural norms and harmful practices as major contributors to the alarming rate of maternal and child mortality in Bauchi State. Eki made this assertion while presenting a paper at an event organized by the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Bauchi and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). He emphasized that stakeholders must unite to combat attitudes that endanger innocent infants.
Stakeholders Urged to Address Harmful Practices
During his advocacy work, Eki observed instances where husbands insist that their wives take children to the hospital, even when the women are occupied with other responsibilities. He also noted that some men still believe their wives should not attend antenatal care, viewing delivery at healthcare centers as foreign. These practices, he argued, significantly hinder access to essential medical services.
According to data from the National Demographic Health Survey, Bauchi State records 1,732 infant deaths per 100,000 newborns before they reach 28 days. This figure is substantially higher than the national average of 576 deaths per 100,000. Eki highlighted that beliefs, traditions, and norms strongly influence health practices, and without a change in approach, meaningful improvements cannot be achieved.
Key Factors Contributing to High Mortality Rates
The expert outlined several contributing factors to the high child mortality in Bauchi State:
- Poor access to emergency obstetric care, which limits timely medical interventions during childbirth.
- Low contraceptive use, leading to unplanned pregnancies and associated health risks.
- Teenage pregnancy, which increases the likelihood of complications for both mother and child.
UNICEF data further reveals that Bauchi State leads other states in the North-East region in neonatal mortality, with 48 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to a maximum mortality rate of 12. This underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Importance of Early Breastfeeding and Gender Norms
On infant feeding, Eki stressed that placing a baby on breastmilk within the first hour of life can prevent many childhood illnesses. He acknowledged that delayed breastfeeding exposes children to significant dangers. In some communities, giving babies the initial cholesterol from the mother’s breast is considered taboo, despite it being a superfood and the first immunization for newborns.
Eki called for increased education to address these misconceptions. He added that reversing gender norms that restrict women’s mobility or access to information is crucial for encouraging positive health-seeking behaviors within communities. By empowering women and challenging harmful traditions, stakeholders can work towards reducing child mortality rates in Bauchi State.
