Maternal mortality and emergency obstetric care in Benin City, South-south Nigeria

was 2,356/100,000 deliveries. The leading causes of death were HIV/AIDS (20.2%), eclampsia (12.4%), puerperal sepsis (11.9%), unsafe abortion (9.5%), and postpartum hemorrhage (4.8%). Associated causes of death were Type III delay (61.9%), Type I delay (28.6%), Type II delay (0%) and 9.5% of the women had no delay. Type III delay was due largely to delayed referral. Other causes were lack of blood, oxygen and necessary equipment in the hospital. Although the hospital had relevant emergency obstetric care facilities, there is inadequate midwifery staff, blood, oxygen supplies and intensive care facilities. Tertiary health institutions engaged in maternity care in Nigeria should step up their emergency obstetric services and reach out to other care providers to build greater understanding of issues relating to safe motherhood.