Maternal mortality remains a major public health concern in Nigeria, with indirect medical conditions contributing significantly to preventable maternal deaths and severe complications.

Historically, maternal health interventions have focused largely on direct obstetric causes such as haemorrhage, sepsis, and obstructed labour. However, many women enter pregnancy with pre-existing health conditions that may worsen during pregnancy or complicate childbirth. Weak screening systems, delayed diagnosis, fragmented referral pathways, and limited provider capacity often make these risks more difficult to manage.

Addressing indirect causes of maternal mortality requires a health system capable of delivering coordinated, patient-centred care across different levels of service delivery.