Social Contract: The Case of Maternal Health in Nigeria 1999 – 2008

Abstract

The state of maternal and child health is both an indicator of a society’s level of development and the performance of the health care delivery system.  Many complications and subsequent poor outcomes for women are lessened by providing good quality care, including early detection of problems and appropriate and timely interventions.  The paper used three rounds of the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey data in comparing women’s access and utilization of antenatal, delivery and postnatal care.  The trend was examined in the light of the urgency of attaining the MDGs.  The results show a worsening situation for safe motherhood. The social contract need be strengthened by the state intensifying its policies and programmes towards ensuring that the health and welfare of all persons are safeguarded and not endangered or abused; there are adequate medical and health facilities for all persons.

Keywords: Social Contract, Maternal Health, Antenatal, Contraceptives, Postnatal