The Role of ICT in reducing Maternal - Child Mortality in Nigeria

Nigeria is still striving to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) four (4) and five (5) which calls for reducing maternal and child mortality. The excessive mortality is as a result of preventable and treatable diseases which are compounded by endemic failure in health system, socio economic factors, heterogeneous religion, diverse cultural and linguistic background among others. Past researchers have made a great effort to address these problems through the use of information and communication Technologies (ICT) in revolutionizing health sector. More so, the MDGs eight (8) calls upon the exploitation of benefits of the existing new technologies, especially those related to information and communication. With the advancement in ICT, many forms of eHealth have emerged to tackle these health challenges in maternal and child health services. The ICT- based solution enhances maternal delivery, minimize delay and cost effective as well as eliminate geographical barriers. The paper explores the role of ICT in reducing maternal-child mortality; existing solutions were carefully reviewed and necessary recommendations were provided.