Provision of Maternal Health Services and Health-Facility Readiness in Benue State, Nigeria: A Facility-Based Assessment

AbstractBackground: Adequate provision of maternal health services (MHS) is central to reducing thehigh burden of maternal mortality in sub-Saharan Africa, where Nigeria alone accounts for adisproportionate share of global maternal deaths. Yet the availability and readiness of facilitiesthat deliver antenatal, delivery and postnatal care remain inconsistently documented at the subnational level. This study assessed the extent of MHS provision and the readiness of primary andsecondary health facilities in Benue State, north-central Nigeria.Methods: A descriptive survey design was employed. Using a multistage sampling procedureacross the three senatorial zones of Benue State, 400 women of reproductive age (15–49 years)and health workers were surveyed with a validated structured questionnaire (Cronbach's α =0.83), while seven primary and secondary facilities were assessed with a structured observationalchecklist covering physical structure, equipment, essential drugs, personnel and services. Datawere analysed with descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation against a 2.50 criterion) andthe chi-square test at p < 0.05.Results: Antenatal (x̄ = 2.51) and postnatal (x̄ = 2.62) care were provided to a high extent,whereas delivery care provision was low (x̄ = 2.21). Facility assessment showed that moststructures were rated good or adequate against national standards; core equipment, drugs andpersonnel were largely available though frequently insufficient, with notable gaps in vaginalspecula, privacy screens, family-planning and inpatient services. Provision differed significantlyacross the three geographical zones (χ² = 87.346; df = 4; p < 0.05).Conclusion: Provision of maternal health services in Benue State is uneven, with a criticalweakness in facility-based delivery care and pronounced zonal disparities. Strengtheningdelivery infrastructure, equitable resource distribution and continued investment in rural facilitiesare required to translate available antenatal and postnatal services into safer childbirth.