Data from UN Women says just 3.4% of Nigerian men join their wives for antenatal and postnatal checkups, according to UN Women, which says male participation in maternal health remains far too low across the country.
The UN Women Nigeria flagged the limited role men play in supporting maternal healthcare,
The data was shared during a capacity-building session in Makurdi, Benue State, aimed at encouraging greater male engagement in antenatal care (ANC), postnatal care (PNC), and efforts to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT).
Speaking on behalf of UN Women Country Representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, Acting Deputy Representative Mrs. Patience Ekeoba said recent assessments point to weak male involvement in maternal health services.
“Men showing up and taking an active role is still very rare,” she stated.
“The numbers show only 3.4% of men attend clinic visits with their partners. Overall male participation stands at 13.8%, and just 3.3% attend more than two visits. The average Male Involvement Index is 19.8%.”
Eyong attributed the low participation to deep-rooted cultural norms, social stigma, false information, and weak support systems within families. She warned that the pattern continues to undermine the health and safety of both mothers and children in communities nationwide.
The organization said improving male involvement is key to better maternal outcomes and reducing preventable deaths during pregnancy and childbirth.