The Digest:
UN Women in Nigeria has raised concern over low male involvement in maternal healthcare, revealing that only 3.4% of men accompany their spouses to antenatal and postnatal clinic visits. Speaking during a training programme in Makurdi, Benue State, UN Women Country Representative Beatrice Eyong stated that overall male partner involvement stands at 13.8%, while only 3.3% attend more than two visits. She blamed harmful cultural beliefs, stigma, misinformation, and lack of family support for the trend.
Key Points:
- Low male involvement means women face pregnancy and childbirth alone, increasing health risks.
- Cultural beliefs that maternal health is "women's business" are endangering lives.
- Without partner support, women are less likely to access critical health services.
- The trend perpetuates poor maternal and child health outcomes across Nigerian communities.
- Training programmes alone cannot shift deep-seated cultural norms without broader advocacy
