NIGCOMSAT Highlights Role of Connectivity in Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria
The Nigerian Communications Satellite Limited (NIGCOMSAT) has emphasized the critical role of digital connectivity in improving healthcare delivery and reducing maternal mortality across the country.
The agency noted that maternal deaths remain a major public health challenge in Nigeria, with a woman reportedly dying every seven minutes from pregnancy- or childbirth-related complications, many of which are preventable with timely access to quality healthcare services
According to NIGCOMSAT, while efforts to address maternal mortality require improved healthcare infrastructure, skilled medical personnel, medicines, and adequate funding, reliable connectivity has become an equally important component of modern healthcare delivery.
The agency explained that disconnected healthcare facilities face significant challenges, including delays in updating patient records, limited information sharing among healthcare providers, difficulties in monitoring disease outbreaks, and reduced access to digital tools that can support frontline health workers.
NIGCOMSAT highlighted its ongoing partnership with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), led by Dr. Muyiwa Aina, aimed at supporting the digital transformation of primary healthcare services nationwide.
The initiative supports the deployment of electronic medical records, digital vaccine tracking systems, mobile health applications, and data-driven healthcare solutions designed to improve patient care and strengthen health outcomes.
According to the agency, more than 4,000 Primary Healthcare Centres have been revitalised across Nigeria over the past two years, helping to expand access to quality healthcare at the grassroots level.
NIGCOMSAT said its role is to provide the connectivity infrastructure needed to ensure that digital health systems function effectively, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to healthcare services remains limited.
The agency stressed that a fully connected healthcare system would enable better monitoring of high-risk pregnancies, provide healthcare workers with real-time information, and improve the delivery of life-saving interventions.
It reiterated its commitment to supporting Nigeria’s healthcare digitisation agenda, expressing optimism that technology and connectivity can help build a future where every healthcare facility is connected, every healthcare worker is empowered, and more lives are saved through improved access to information and digital health solutions.
NIGCOMSAT Highlights Role of Connectivity in Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria