Closing the Maternal Health Gap: Why Access to Quality Care Still Matters

Every year, thousands of women and newborns in underserved communities face preventable complications during pregnancy and childbirth — not because treatment does not exist, but because access remains out of reach.

At CBHGAPS, we believe that where a woman lives should never determine whether she survives childbirth. Yet in many communities across Nigeria, this remains a daily reality shaped by weak referral systems, limited skilled birth attendants, poor infrastructure, and deeply entrenched gaps in health information.

The Scale of the Problem

Maternal and newborn mortality rates in underserved communities remain disproportionately high compared to urban centres. The causes are often interconnected — delayed care-seeking due to limited awareness, financial barriers, long distances to health facilities, and a shortage of trained health workers who understand the specific needs of the communities they serve.

For newborns, the risks are equally serious. Poor antenatal care, inadequate postnatal support, and weak links between community health systems and formal facilities mean that preventable complications go unaddressed.

What CBHGAPS Is Doing

CBHGAPS responds to these challenges through a community-centered approach that strengthens the systems, knowledge, and partnerships needed to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.

Our work focuses on:

Strengthening referral systems so that emergency cases reach the right care at the right time
Supporting community health workers with training and tools to identify risk and act early
Promoting antenatal and postnatal awareness so families can make informed health decisions
Partnering with health facilities and local government to improve service delivery and accountability

A Shared Responsibility

Closing the maternal health gap is not the responsibility of any single organisation. It requires sustained commitment from governments, donors, civil society, health workers, and communities themselves.

CBHGAPS is committed to playing its part — through evidence-based programming, meaningful community engagement, and partnerships that create lasting change.

"No mother or newborn should be at risk because care came too late."

If you are interested in supporting our maternal and newborn health programs, contact us to learn how you can get involved.