International finance and maternal mortality in North Central, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of international finance on maternal mortality rates in North Central Nigeria, focusing on the relationship between funding from international bodies, the effectiveness of NGO interventions, and barriers and facilitators influencing these initiatives. Employing a quantitative research design, the study surveyed 310 participants, including women aged 18-49, healthcare providers, NGO representatives, and government officials across six states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. Data were collected through an online survey with structured questionnaires, analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation, logistic regression, and multiple regression analyses. The findings revealed a significant positive relationship between international funding and maternal mortality rates (Pearson's r = 0.45, p < 0.05), suggesting that higher funding levels correlate with higher mortality rates. NGO interventions were found to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates (Odds ratio = 1.82, p < 0.05). Barriers such as funding allocation issues and lack of local infrastructure, alongside facilitators like strong local partnerships, were identified as critical factors influencing the success of international finance initiatives (Adjusted R² = 0.62, p < 0.05). Conclusions drawn highlight the need for a reevaluation of funding allocation strategies to ensure effective utilization, enhanced NGO interventions through community-aligned programs, and addressing identified barriers to maximize the success of international finance initiatives. Recommendations include optimizing funding strategies with stringent monitoring and evaluation, strengthening NGO programs through sustainable support and community collaboration, improving local infrastructure and healthcare worker training. This comprehensive approach aims to achieve sustainable improvements in maternal health outcomes in North Central Nigeria.