Maternal Mortality & Human Development Indicators in Delta,Nigeria

Baseline data on the levels and trends of maternal mortality is critical to development plans, socio-economic projections and resource allocation to varying tiers of spatial scales competing for scarce development resources.Information about maternal mortality is needed not only for what it tells us about the risk of pregnancy and childbirth but also for what it implies about women’s health in general.The geography of maternal mortality in Nigeria indicates the near-absence of baseline locale-specific information on maternal health statistics disaggregated into multi-spatial scales. This work examines the situation and changes in the incidence of maternal mortality in the context of its human development indicators in Delta State. The study covered years 2003 to 2010, comprising of pre and post intervention periods. The mixed method research design employed is ecological and population-based; employing both statistical and cartographic analysis.The study has both intellectual and policy implications and it will be very relevant to population and medical geographers as well as to other stakeholders with an enthusiasm for and a commitment to health and development work.