In northeast Nigeria, the night has long been a source of dread for expectant mothers. In a region where insecurity and displacement have pushed healthcare out of reach, the onset of labour after sundown often meant a choice between a dangerous trek through insecure territory or a risky delivery at home without medical help.
Today, that reality is changing. In Muna community, a 24/7 maternal health service, supported by the European Union and implemented by the Alliance for International Medical Action (ALIMA), is ensuring that no woman is left without a safe option when labour begins.
When care is out of reach, women give birth at home
For Zainab Babagana, the memory of her third pregnancy is a haunting one. ‘I was in labour, in pain, scared and worried about how I would get to the hospital’, she recalls. It was nearly midnight when her labour began. The nearest clinic was 5 km away, and with no transportation, the distance felt insurmountable.
Zainab ended up delivering at home. ‘I lost so much blood’, she says quietly. She survived, but many are not so fortunate. In Nigeria, an estimated 75,000 women die annually from pregnancy-related complications. According to the World Health Organization, the country accounts for over 34% of global maternal deaths, many of which are entirely preventable.
The situation is even more dire in the northeast, where over 5.9 million people require humanitarian assistance. Here, insecurity not only displaces families – it also creates care-access disparities. In Maiduguri, movement restrictions after 22:00 local time often mean that "keke napeps" (tricycle taxis) are unavailable, leaving women stranded exactly when they are most vulnerable.
Keeping the maternity ward open day and night
The need for around-the-clock care became undeniable in early 2025. Between 1 and 31 May of that year, ALIMA recorded over 1,400 prenatal consultations at the Muna clinic alone. However, despite receiving care throughout their pregnancies, 94 of those women were forced to deliver at home because the clinic was not open at night.
‘These mothers had no choice but to deliver in unsterile environments without skilled assistance’, explains Panmwa Paul, the Muna clinic midwife supervisor.
Giving birth differently
Responding to this crisis, ALIMA, with EU support, launched 24-hour reproductive health services in June 2025. This initiative provides basic emergency obstetric and neonatal care 7 days a week. It is a critical intervention designed to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality among vulnerable displaced populations.
Since opening its doors through the night, the clinic has supported the safe delivery of over 550 babies. Zainab Babagana’s 4th pregnancy was the ultimate test of this new system.
‘When I heard that ALIMA had started an all-night clinic, I was very happy’, she says. ‘This time, my labour went faster. The medical team was very nice, my delivery was easier, and my child is alive and well.’
She is not alone. Zainab Sani, a mother of 10, remembers her 9th delivery as a nightmare – pacing for hours in pain, waiting for a traditional midwife while fearing for her life. ‘I was thinking, “If I die now, who will look after these children?”’
Her 10th delivery – twins – took place at the Muna clinic. ‘The midwife checked me and in a very short time my twins were born. I was at peace knowing my babies and I were in good hands.’ Now, she is an advocate in her community, telling other pregnant women:
‘Go to the clinic. They will take care of you.’
EU support
The transformation in Muna is part of a larger commitment to the people of Nigeria. The EU remains a leading contributor of humanitarian aid in the country. In 2026, the EU allocated an initial €33 million for humanitarian assistance, bringing the total contribution since 2014 to over €570 million.
This consistent support does more than keep the clinic’s lights on through the night. It addresses the essential needs of those caught in the crossfire of conflict. Beyond maternal healthcare, EU humanitarian aid provides a lifeline through emergency food and nutritional support, shelter and clean water, hygiene and primary healthcare, protection, and education, ensuring that vulnerable families have the necessary foundations to rebuild their lives in safety.
The 24/7 maternity ward in Muna is saving lives and changing how women give birth. It proves that even in the most challenging environments, consistent support and local expertise can turn the tide, transforming the birth of a child from a struggle for survival into a moment of hope.
