Beyond the Clinic: Community-Led Strategies for Combating Maternal Mortality and Improving Child Survival in Conflict-Affected Northern Nigeria

Maternal and child health (MCH) indicators in conflict-affected northern Nigeria remain among the worst globally, with maternal mortality ratios exceeding 1,000 per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality rates reaching critical levels, according to world health organization. In regions destabilized by insurgency, displacement, and weakened health infrastructure, conventional clinical approaches are often insufficient. This review examines community-led strategies as essential, culturally contextualized solutions to these challenges. Drawing on case studies, recent interventions, and global best practices, we explore how female-led health committees, traditional birth attendants (TBAs), mobile midwifery services, and male engagement models have improved maternal and neonatal outcomes in hard-to-reach areas. We also assess the integration of digital health tools and informal health education systems in fostering community resilience. These bottom-up, community-centered approaches have demonstrated measurable reductions in maternal deaths and increased immunization coverage and antenatal care uptake, offering a replicable framework for other fragile settings. We conclude with policy recommendations for scaling and integrating community strategies into national health planning to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 3 by 2030.