A Review of Policies and Programs for Promoting Maternal Health in Plateau State, Nigeria

Abstract

Plateau state, one of Nigeria’s 36 federating states, currently has a high rate of maternal mortality in the country. This study was designed to determine the nature of policies and programs for maternal health in the State with a view to identifying strategic interventions for reducing the high rate of maternal mortality in the state. Plateau state places high priority on the provision of qualitative healthcare for the citizens, but is yet to legislate on, and develop strategic policies and plans for maternal health. Human resource for health is grossly inadequate and available data on healthcare funding and logistics are not satisfactory. The healthcare infrastructure is also inadequate, while there is a need to improve the provision of a fully functional health system, logistics and resources for health. We believe that intense advocacy is needed to increase political will to improve maternal health and to reduce the high rate of maternal morbidity andmortality in Plateau State (Afr. J. Reprod. Health 2010; 14[2]: 43-48).

Key words: Policies, Programmes, maternal mortality, Jos, Plateau State.