Terrorism and Maternal Health: An Assessment of Victims of Boko Haram Terrorism, North East Nigeria
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Date
2017
Authors
Eshiet I.
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Department of Sociology, University of Lagos
Abstract
Terrorism has profound consequences on the health of affected populations. Women’s reproductive health is one of the health dimensions adversely affected by terrorism. Women become victims of rape in the hand of terrorists, repressive forces, humanitarian caregivers and fellow male victims. The fall out of this is unwanted pregnancies, yet pregnant women have poor or no access to maternal healthcare, as terrorism leads to loss of reproductive healthcare services due to its deteriorating impact on health infrastructure, which are either totally destroyed or incapacitated from effective functioning. This study assessed the maternal health of victims of Boko Haram terrorism in North East, Nigeria. How does terrorism affect women’s fertility? Does terrorism impact on the maternal health of victims? Are there measures taken to give victims access to maternal healthcare? These are some of the issues the study interrogated using secondary sources. Findings reveal an increased fertility rate and poor access to maternal healthcare, which has resulted in high maternal morbidity and mortality. The study recommends the adoption of innovative strategies, such as utilisation of community-based health workers to make maternal healthcare more accessible to displaced populations both during conflict and the immediate post-conflict era.
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Citation
Eshiet, I. (2017). Terrorism and Maternal Health: An Assessment of Victims of Boko Haram Terrorism, North East Nigeria. UNILAG Sociological Review, Vol. XIII : 1-22. Lagos: Department of Sociology, University of Lagos