Ending Child Marriage in Nigeria: The Maternal and Child Health Country-Wide Policy

Abstract

Reduction in child marriage is highly correlated with a decline in maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Nigeria has taken a step to reduce child marriage through the Child Rights Act; however, 11 states in the Northeast and Northwest are yet to implement these laws despite the documented benefits. Estimates predict that a 70% reduction of maternal deaths can be achieved by a 10% reduction in child marriage. Additionally, the $7.6 billion lost in earning and productivity of human capital from child marriage annually can be averted. A reduction in child marriage can also decrease violence against girls and improve educational level attainment. We propose that the Nigerian government should enact the Maternal and Child Health Country-wide Policy to give a national security treatment to maternal and child health matters. It will ensure that policies passed at the federal level with the potential to reduce maternal and child mortality can be automatically adopted nationwide.

Child's Rights and the Challenges of Educating the Girl-Child: Assessing the Contributions of UNICEF in Nigeria

“…The leveraging of child marriage as a survivalist tool by households in northern Nigeria has been noted in literature. In this regard, child marriages have been used to further the economic interests of households, build new and reinforce existing social ties, and improve or enhance social statuses (Yaya et al, 2019;Obaje et al, 2020). The entrenched practice of child marriage and attendant benefits undermine the appeal of girl-education.…”

Solving the Puzzle of Global Health Inequity: Completing the Picture Piece by Piece by Piece

“…In areas such as the prevention and treatment of noncommunicable diseases with displaced populations, national policy development is lacking (McNatt, 2020 ). In other areas, however, including ending child marriages in Nigeria (Obaje et al, 2020 ), policies have been developed but are not being applied in all jurisdictions. In still other areas, such as the social determinants of health, policies exist but could be refined and nuanced to focus more on common underlying and organizing principles rather than strategies and interventions that may not be applicable and transferable across different contexts and populations (Gullifer et al, 2020 ).…”

“…Characteristics of individuals: Self-efficacy; individual identification with organization V. Process: Reflecting and evaluating What policy changes are required globally to promote the eradication of global health inequities? •Policy review and reform is required by governments and academic institutions •Policies can influence research impact on healthcare delivery •Policy directives strongly influence the development of an appropriately skilled workforce •Policy support is essential for any global health inequity innovation or initiative to succeed *Scheiner et al ( 2020 ), Carey and Hobabagabo ( 2020 ), Wilson et al ( 2020 ), Carey ( 2020a ), Carey ( 2020b ), Binagwaho and Yohannes Waka ( 2020 ), Carey and Gullifer ( 2020c ), Rosa et al ( 2020a ), McNatt ( 2020 ), Obaje et al ( 2020 ), Gullifer et al ( 2020 ), Carey and Binagwaho ( 2020b ) I. Intervention characteristics: Intervention source; evidence strength and quality; II.…”