'WHEN WE NOTICE THESE, CALAMITY IS COMING:  SOOT, MATERNAL HEALTHCARE AND THE  CHALLENGES OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT  GOALS IN NIGERIA'S NIGER-DELTA

Olasupo THOMPSON; Olayinka AJEWOLE,; Bamidele Judenson JINADU; Phoebe D. AWANGE; Emmanuel O. ADEMOLA; Surajudeen O. OLADOTUN

Olasupo THOMPSON
Olayinka AJEWOLE,
Bamidele Judenson JINADU
Phoebe D. AWANGE
Emmanuel O. ADEMOLA
Surajudeen O. OLADOTUN

Keywords: maternal mortality, infant mortality, health, women, sustainable development goals

Abstract

The study investigates the impact of soot pollution on maternal healthcare in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria, located in the oil-rich Niger-Delta region. Maternal healthcare in Nigeria faces significant challenges, with high rates of maternal and infant mortality that are among the highest globally. As of 2020, Nigeria accounted for 12% of global maternal, neonatal deaths, and stillbirths, with 540 deaths per thousand births. The study addresses several key questions: What are the causes and effects of soot pollution in Port-Harcourt? How has soot pollution affected maternal health? What responses have been implemented to address the soot issue in PortHarcourt, and why have these efforts not been fully effective? The study employs a qualitative methodology, drawing sources from media reports and interviews with pregnant and nursing mothers in Port-Harcourt. It identifies soot pollution as stemming from illegal bunkering, gas flaring, and activities of fertilizer plants, adversely affecting pregnant women, nursing mothers, and infants. Despite responses from governmental and non-governmental entities, significant progress remains elusive, hindering the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Recommendations include addressing root causes such as unemployment and poverty, emphasizing the necessity of political commitment among stakeholders to combat these illegal activities effectively.